A Professor of law and Director of Academic Planning of American University of Nigeria, (AUN), Yola, Prof. Mohammed Bello Magaji has given insights as to why cross-border terrorisms continued to persist in North East of Nigeria.

Prof. Magaji noted that the North-East has been a hotspot of conflict and humanitarian concerns an instability due to the activities of insurgent groups like Boko Haram and its affiliates.

The University Don spoke on the topic, ?Uniting Research Efforts: Combatting Security Issues in The North-East of Nigeria?, at American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State, which was made available to Daily Sun.

According to the University Don, ?The insecurity situation in the North-East has led to significant humanitarian challenges, including large-scale displacement, human rights abuses, and disruptions in access to essential services.

?Given the cross-border nature of these issues, there is pressing need for enhanced legal frameworks that promote regional cooperation to address the security situation.

?The ongoing insurgency in North-East Nigeria has resulted in persistent violence and insecurity. The activities of armed groups have not only destabilized the region but also had spillover effects on neighboring countries, including Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

?These cross-border dynamics complicate the security situation and necessitate a coordinated regional response.

?The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in urgent need of assistance. Human rights violations, including targeted attacks on civilians and infrastructure, further exacerbate the situation. Addressing these humanitarian issues requires a robust legal and operational framework that transcends national borders.

?Regional initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and international efforts led by organizations like the United Nations play a crucial role in addressing the crisis. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is often limited by gaps in legal coordination and implementation challenges.

?Nigeria?s domestic legal frameworks, including counter-terrorism laws and humanitarian regulations, provide a foundation for addressing the crisis.

However, their effectiveness is hampered by inconsistent implementation and challenges in coordinating with neighboring countries.

?The MNJTF, established by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, represents a key regional effort to combat insurgency. While it demonstrates regional cooperation, there are limitations in terms of legal harmonization and operational synergy among member states.

?International frameworks, such as the United Nations Security Council resolutions and humanitarian conventions, offer guidance on managing conflicts and protecting human rights. Their application in the North-East Nigerian context requires stronger integration with regional and national efforts.

?Despite the comprehensive nature of Nigeria?s legal framework for addressing transnational security challenges, there are several notable lacunae (gaps or deficiencies) that can impact the effectiveness of these laws.

?Some of the key lacunae are resource constraints including insufficient funding, equipment, and personnel, which can hinder their ability to effectively enforce laws and conduct operations.

?Coordination between various security agencies, such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Customs Service, can be fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in addressing cross-border threats.

?There can be overlaps and inconsistencies in the jurisdictions and responsibilities of different agencies, leading to confusion and potential gaps in enforcement.

The need to balance effective security measures with respect for human rights can be challenging?.

However, Prof. Magaji recommended that, to improve effectiveness, there is a need for harmonized legal standards across the region, adding that, ?This includes aligning counter-terrorism laws, humanitarian regulations, and human rights protections to ensure a cohesive response to security and humanitarian challenges.

?Strengthening mechanisms for intelligence sharing among national and regional security agencies can improve the coordination of counter-insurgency operations and prevent cross-border threats?. (Sunday Sun)

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