LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE EXCESSES OF THE MILITARY IN INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research aimed at exposing the inherent legal implications of the excesses of the Nigerian military during internal security operations (ISOPs) in Nigeria often marred by widely condemned excesses in the form of severe human rights violations and other rights violations by the Nigerian military personnel. The research found that these exposed varying legal implications of the Nigerian military excesses in ISOPs are today yet unaddressed because of lack of strict accountability mechanisms/measures and effective legal remedies. The research thus advanced argument for the incorporation of specialized human rights and civilian protection course into the curriculum for professional military training in Nigeria, an overlap between the civil justice system and the military justice system through granting the civil justice system jurisdiction in cases of human rights violations and civilian harms by the Nigerian military personnel and all actors during internal security situations in Nigeria, enactment of a domestic legislation that will strictly regulate the operations and conducts of the Nigerian military and other actors during internal conflict or crisis situations in Nigeria. At last, a call on the Nigerian government and military to always carry out thorough investigations of the civilian harms and human rights violations by the Nigerian military personnel in ISOP’s and ensure that personnel found wanting are brought to book, while civilian victims are afforded due reparations and remedies.