The Critical Role of Community Engagement and Intelligence in Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

Abstract

Terrorism remains a persistent threat to Nigeria’s national security, largely driven by the activities of Boko Haram and its affiliates. While military responses have achieved some success, they have not fully addressed the root causes or operational resilience of insurgent groups. This study examines the role of community engagement and intelligence in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy using a qualitative approach based on secondary data. It also highlights the application of desktop publishing tools in organizing and presenting research findings. The study finds that integrating community participation with intelligence systems enhances early warning mechanisms, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens governance structures. The study was anchored on State Fragility Theory. However, challenges such as mistrust, weak institutional coordination, and socioeconomic inequality continue to hinder effectiveness. The paper concludes that sustainable counterterrorism requires a synergy between governance, community involvement, and intelligence-driven strategies.

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