AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING TERRORISM IN NIGERIA

By

Author

Presented To

Department of Law

ABSTRACT
Terrorism has been a scourge both to the government and the people of Nigeria. The human and material loss recorded in recent past is enormous and has been a source of worry to all. The sources of information relied here are relevant text materials, statutes (including international instruments), judicial authorities, articles in journal publications and internet materials. The problem of this research work, therefore, is how to bring terrorism to an end in Nigeria.In view of this, the objectives of this research work, adopting a doctrinal research methodology, is therefore, to examine the legal framework for combating terrorism in Nigeria, to examine the causes of terrorism in Nigeria and to proffer solutions to the menace of terrorism in Nigeria. The major finding of this work is the conflicting role of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney General of the Federation. The 2013 Act stated that the office of the National Security Adviser shall be the coordinating body for all security and enforcement agencies under this Act while it further stated that the AG of the Federation shall be the authority for the effective implementation and administration of this Act. The role of the NSA and AGF under this Act is overlapping and is capable of frustrating the workings of this Act especially where the occupants of these offices want to show the superiority of the offices they occupy. This is a potent danger in the administration of the Act and if not looked into may derail the fight against terrorism.One of the recommendations of this research work, therefore, is the amendment of Section 1A (1) and (2) of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 which is on the powers of the National Security Adviser and that of Attorney General of the Federation to clearly delineate their roles and functions in order to strengthen the fight against terrorism.