Dr. Michael D. Hanson, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Terrorism is a crime associated with devastating consequences and has attracted serious attention in the world over the years. Although many countries have committed huge resources to combat terrorism, the crime continues to ravage the world. In Nigeria, the crime of terrorism has gained an enduring thrust in spite of various existing mechanisms designed by the state to combat it. This work examines the mechanisms for combating terrorism in Nigeria. Using the doctrinal methodology, this work finds that there are existing laudable mechanisms for combating terrorism in Nigeria; but that these mechanisms are not effectively and properly utilised. This work recommends that the Nigerian state should effectively and properly utilise the existing mechanism for combating terrorism by: (i) increasingly condemning terrorism and swiftly arrest, prosecute and punish perpetrators and their financiers, without any consideration for amnesty; (ii) Strengthening the enforcement of the laws on terrorism prohibition and financing; (iii) Establishing and maintaining a firm anti-terrorism policy, ‘never to negotiate with terrorist or to yield to their demands’ in line with the law which prohibits payment of ransom to terrorists.
Keywords: Crime of Terrorism, Legal Mechanism, Combating Terrorism, Terrorists and Terrorism Financing.
