THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IN CONTROLLING THE USE OF HYPERSONIC AND CYBER WEAPONS IN THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY; THE NIGERIAN AUTHORITY

Abstract

This study critically examines the role of international law in regulating hypersonic weapons, lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), and cyber weapons, with a focus on Nigeria’s position in the global arms race and its implications for international security. Using doctrinal legal methodology, it identifies significant gaps in existing frameworks such as the UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, and Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) which fail to address the speed, autonomy, and dual-use nature of these technologies. The research highlights Nigeria’s vulnerability to asymmetric threats (e.g., Boko Haram, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure) and institutional limitations within domestic regimes like the Cybercrime Act (2015) and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act (1964). Findings reveal that regulatory vacuums exacerbate regional instability and humanitarian risks, necessitating a paradigm shift in governance. The study proposes a multi-tiered approach: adapting treaties; establishing new multilateral agreements; enhancing verification via bodies like a Hypersonic Technology Monitoring Agency; and strengthening regional cooperation through ECOWAS and the African Union. Nigeria is urged to ratify the AU’s Malabo Convention, champion binding norms in global forums, and reform domestic policies to align with international humanitarian law (IHL).