Protection of Civilians during Non-International Armed Conflicts: A Review of the Boko Haram Conflicts in North-Eastern Nigeria (Published)
The protection of civilians is of importance in any armed conflict. In ancient times, this protection was not provided for, as both civilians and military personnel were liable to be attacked, taken prisoners or killed by the adverse party. Under the modern international humanitarian law, safeguards have been put in place to guarantee the protection of the civilian population during armed conflict. The objectives of this research is to examine the origin of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria; status of Boko Haram under international humanitarian law; effects of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria, and the protection of civilians in North-Eastern Nigeria. Doctrinal and non-doctrinal methods of research were adopted through the use of primary and secondary sources of law. The primary source includes statutory provisions, judicial reports and treaties. Secondary sources are opinions of legal writers, essays, newspaper reports and materials from internet. Boko Haram activities in North-eastern Nigeria fall under non-international armed conflicts. The Boko Haram insurgency has taken its toll on Nigeria as a nation. There is high number of victims mostly civilians. Some were killed, others displaced while women and children are raped and forced against their will. There has been also wanton destruction of property and pillage. There is no doubt that with all these atrocities committed by the Boko Haram members and the extra judicial killing by the military, the Boko Haram insurgency qualified as non-international armed conflict. However, this is not enough, the study has contributed to knowledge by showing that there is need for proper measures to be taken to prevent the reoccurrence of the inhuman acts that happened in the wake of Boko Haram. Though, the violations of International Humanitarian Laws are not due to the inadequacy of its rules, but the lack of willingness to respect them, or and also due to ignorance of the rules. Hence there is need for the government, Non-Governmental Organizations and humanitarian organizations such as Red Gross to intensify efforts of disseminating rules of IHL in peace time. This can be achieved through radio programs and incorporating the principles into civic education and general studies.
Keywords: Boko Haram conflicts, Nigeria, North-Eastern, non-international armed conflicts, protection of civilians