Combating terrorism in Nigeria: a critical analysis of the legal framework

Abstract

Terrorism has been a threat to both the people and of government of Nigeria. The loss of human and material resources is so monumental and set back to the country. The objective of this research is to critically evaluate the legal framework put in place to counter terrorism in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for this research is doctrinal, this enable the researcher examine the mechanism put in place to tackle terrorism and find a means of filling the gap identified. The major findings of this research includes terrorism prevention Act 2011 and Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013,s 27 of the Act states that a suspect may be detained for 90 days subject to renewal ,while s 28 deals with access to detain person pending the conclusion of investigation while s. 29 relates to the privacy of the citizens. These provisions run counter to the spirit of the constitution of federal republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). It is in the light of the forgoing that this recommendation is made amendment of the above mentioned provisions to conform with constitution as it relates to Fundamental Human Rights.