Beyond the Battlefield
An Examination of the Nigerian Military’s Balancing Act in Internal Security Operations
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11102487 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Moses Metumara Duruji (0000-0001-5565-2936, Covenant University), M Moses Duruji (Covenant University), Oluwakemi Morola Fulani (0009-0008-0024-2954, Covenant University), Goddy Uwa Osimen (0000-0001-8294-6163, Covenant University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Armed Forces & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0095-327X • E-ISSN: 1556-0848 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0095327x261422200 |
| OpenAlex | W7130349610 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 23 |
This study examines the Nigerian military’s role in internal security operations, analysing the tension between achieving military objectives and adhering to international legal obligations. It addresses the central conflict of this balancing act: reconciling operational demands with compliance to international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights norms. The study assesses how these legal frameworks constrain the Nigerian military’s internal security operations and influence their adherence to principles of restraint. While these norms are crucial, this study argues that internal security operations, especially those involving civilians, create significant compliance challenges that sometimes lead to failure. Drawing on a descriptive historical-legal analysis, this qualitative study utilises secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and credible media sources. Findings reveal that established legal guidelines often struggle to keep pace with the complexities of internal conflicts, affecting military effectiveness and civil-military relations. Future research should explore adaptive strategies for legal approaches to better address the realities of complex internal security situations
Compliance (psychology · Government (linguistics · Internal conflict · Internal security · Pace · Qualitative research · Security forces · Security studies · African Education and Politics · Global Political and Social Dynamics · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence
Artificial intelligence and arms control in modern warfare
Compliant Rebels
Counterterrorism and the risk of over-classification of situations of violence
The misconstruction of enemy images in war reporting
Shock and awe
The effect of military (un)professionalism on civil-military relations and security in Nigeria
The 21st-Century Belligerent's Trilemma
Rebellion, War Aims & the Laws of War
The Security Dilemma
Leadership Styles and Employees' Commitment
Building Security through Insecurity
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |