Peace Talks and Power Plays

Over the years, Nigeria has been besieged by numerous violent conflicts. These range from banditry to insurgencies and other violent conflicts. For the insurgency, the Nigerian government’s primary response has been military operations and collaboration with neighbouring countries through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The MNJTF, composes of troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, aims to weaken the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and other militant groups through coordinated attacks and intelligence sharing. These joint efforts have led to significant territorial gains against Boko Haram, reclaiming major strongholds and reducing the group’s capacity to launch large-scale attacks.

Despite some successes, challenges such as inadequate funding, corruption, and logistical issues have hindered the full effectiveness of these military operations. Nigeria’s primary counterinsurgency campaign, Operation Lafiya Dole, has deployed thousands of military personnel to the North East. This operation has employed aggressive offensive tactics, including airstrikes and ground assaults, to dismantle Boko Haram’s infrastructure. The Nigerian military has also utilised technology such as drones for surveillance and precision strikes. ​

On the non-military approach, Nigeria has engaged in various peace talks and reconciliation efforts to reduce violence and foster long-term stability. For example, in the North Central, local peace processes have been initiated to address bandits, which have been a significant source of violence. These efforts often involve establishing state peacebuilding agencies such as  Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) and Plateau Peace Building Agency. These agencies work closely with traditional and community leaders to mediate disputes and create sustainable peace agreements. In addition to peace talks, Nigeria has implemented non-military strategies such as deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for former militants. These programmes aim to address the root causes of extremism by providing education, vocational training, and psychological support to reintegrate former fighters into society. This dual approach, combining force with dialogue and social support, seeks to create a more comprehensive solution to the complex issue of insurgency.

Significant challenges towards tackling insecurity remain despite the notable successes in reducing violence through these combined strategies. For instance, the proliferation of small arms provides an easy means for individuals and groups to engage in violence. These weapons often find their way into the hands of non-state actors, including insurgent groups, militias, and criminal organisations, fuelling insecurity, especially insurgency in the North East. Economic disparities and ethnic and religious tensions continue to fuel conflict, such as the unending ethno-religious conflict in Kaduna. Moreover, political interests and corruption sometimes undermine peacebuilding efforts, as seen in the inconsistent handling of ransom payments and the politicisation of ethnic conflicts.

Despite these challenges, there have been positive developments. For instance, peace processes in regions like Plateau and Kaduna State have shown promise, with local communities reaching agreements to halt violence and cooperate on conflict prevention. These local efforts, supported by state agencies and international organisations, highlight the importance of grassroots involvement and the need for tailored solutions to Nigeria’s diverse security threats.

There is a need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address insecurity. Firstly, there is a need to strengthen non-kinetic approaches through peace talks and reconciliation efforts. On the kinetic front, there is a need to increase the deployment of military personnel in high-risk areas to maintain pressure on insurgent groups and prevent their resurgence. Furthermore, there is a need to support and expand local community policing and neighbourhood watch programs to enhance security at the grassroots level. Nigeria’s dual strategy of combining military force with diplomatic and non-military measures represents a comprehensive approach to addressing terrorism and insurgency. Military actions aim to weaken insurgent groups directly, and diplomatic efforts and non-military strategies focus on addressing the root causes of violence and fostering long-term peace. While progress has been made, sustained efforts and international support are crucial to overcoming the ongoing challenges and achieving lasting peace.