BOKO HARAM AS A NON-STATE ACTOR: GOVERNING LAW AND APPLICABLE RIGHTS

ABSTRACT

In 2015, the Institute for Economics and Peace, in its Global Terrorism Index, stated that Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria have become the deadliest terrorist organization in the world. The Nigerian government is alleged to have applied measures that violate both international humanitarian law and human rights principles. This has sparked criticism from the international community. Some international bodies continue to call for the Nigerian government to prosecute some members of its security forces for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This paper, therefore, attempts to examine: (1) the armed conflict between Nigeria and Boko Haram; (2) rights available to Boko Haram suspects; and (3) the obligation to enforce accountability owed by parties according to international human right standards. This paper discusses the applicable law, cases of violations, and regulating law that guarantees rights in cases of armed conflict and the role of regional and international bodies in ensuring compliance.

Keywords: Non-state Actors, Non-International Armed Conflict, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law.

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UNILAG Law Review, (2021) Volume 4 Edition 2

About the Author

Ifeanyi Odurukwe obtained his LLM from Tulane University Law School and his LLB from the University of Lagos. He can be contacted via email: ifeanyiodurukwe@gmail.com.