AN EXAMINATION OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF NON-STATE ACTORS UNDER NON-INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICT IN NOTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research examines the responsibilities of non-state actors in Northern Nigeria to International Humanitarian Law. To do this, related literatures were reviewed. The research examines the concept of non-state actors, general framework for responsibility under International Humanitarian Law in relation to the activities of non-state actors in Northern Nigeria, specifically Boko Haram. It was discovered that the general framework for responsibility under IHL does not cover this group because the non-state actors in Northern Nigeria have not met the requisite criteria but have nevertheless committed atrocities to give rise to prosecution. In view of this, the research suggests that these non-state actors should be tried under our (Nigerian) domestic criminal law, the Terrorism Act as Nigeria has the primary jurisdiction to do so. The research also further suggests that there is a need to enlighten the members of this group on the illegality of their acts and the consequences thereof. The research concludes by expressing the need to provide better protection to victims of both IHL and HRL violations that occur during these non-international armed conflicts. And also states that armed non-state actors who escape the grasp of the domestic law for IHL violations, should be made more accountable in the international community by creating judicial and non-judicial mechanisms to tackle IHL violations they commit.

Identifiers

Resource ID

urn:uuid:2a04d169-1d7d-4e43-9b6d-da91a6186d5b