AN ETHICAL INTERROGATION OF TERRORISM AND COUNTER- TERRORISM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian state for some years has been engulfed with some terrible acts of terrorism, ranging from repeated cases of state terrorism against Nigerian citizens, particularly against the Igbo people, and the people of the Niger Delta, killings by the Herdsmen whose activities are spread across larger areas of the Nigerian landscape to the Boko Haram terrorist group. The focus of this paper is the Boko Haram group. The goal(s) of the group has been a contested issue as some scholars and commentators are of the view that Boko Haram was created as a political tool while others view Boko Haram as purely a religious group carrying out its religious goals. The later view depicts the claims of the group that they are out to create an Islamic state. More problematic/worrisome is the method employed by the group in its quest to achieve whatever goal it has. This method of killing, bombing, kidnapping, raping and destruction of villages and properties all in the name of fighting for a cause raises some philosophical and moral questions; is it morally right to kill innocent people in a bid to achieve a cause, even a just cause? Can Boko Haram acts of terror be justified? Is it morally right for the state to use immoral and illegal means in tackling the Boko Haram terrorists? This paper clearly sets out to ethically examine terrorism and counter terrorism with particular reference to Boko Haram in Nigeria. In view of this, this research employs the method of analysis in achieving its objectives.