LEGAL AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST ARMED CONFLICTS: CHALLENGES AND FUTURE TRENDS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Armed Conflicts is a global issue which affects the security of many nations but for different reasons. The belief however is that, it has political undertone and is motivated by injustice and struggle for power. It is synonymous with terrorism because it involves killings and destruction of properties whether individual or institutional.This may not necessarily be so. Some terrorists take arms and claim religious reasons   while others are motivated by seeking money to procure more arms and ammunition for economic activities especially where mineral deposits are found. Whatever reasons provided, the consequences of terrorism and armed conflicts are multi dimensional, destruction of lives and properties, which impact on the human rights, economic and social structures of States. This paper examines the legal and strategic roles of the military in fighting terrorism. This is because the assumption, often misplaced is that military operations and missions are enough to stop acts of terrorism.  While it has a great impact, it is puzzling to note that fighting terror takes longer period to accomplish despite military operations. This means that there are challenges in the military mission, this paper further examined these challenges and made recommendations on the way forward. In this regard, doctrinal research and internet methods were involved.