The impact of terrorism on human rights:The case of Boko Haram and Niger Delta Avengers in Nigeria

Dr Joel Barde

Terrorism threatens the dignity and security of human beings everywhere, endangers innocent lives, creates an environment that destroys the freedom from fear of the people, jeopardizes fundamental freedom, and aims at the destruction of human rights. Human rights are among the essentials of democracy and good governance. They aid human beings to live a fulfilled life. Where it is denied, life becomes meaningless and hopeless. The goal of this research work is to assess the effects of terrorist attacks on human rights. In doing so, the study used the doctrinal approach and researched into the historical evolution and conceptual clarifications of terrorism, Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers and human rights. The study undertook a voyage into the different types of terrorism, causes, and proffering solutions to terrorism. The research found out that there have been various attacks by Niger Delta Avengers and especially by Boko Haram, which led to the adoption of over two hundred and fifty school girls from Chibok community in the North East of Nigeria and the killing of thousands of innocent people, displaced as many as a million people as well as wanton destruction of property in the country by the insurgents. This is a clear violation of human rights. Nigerian security forces are also alleged to have committed human right abuses in their fight against insurgency. It is alleged that the military carries out extra judicial killing, torture and illegally detain suspects. Recommendations are made at the end of the research work, among which is the need for Nigeria and neighbouring countries to address the drivers of extremism that gave rise to Boko Haram, and to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice in accordance with international law and relevant security council resolutions.