The Challenges and Prospects of ICT Utilisation in Counter Terrorism Efforts in a Transitional Democracy: The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

The global quest to fight terror worldwide cannot be over emphasised as extremists and non -state actors continue to ravage the ungoverned spaces opening up around the globe. Consequently this work is an evaluation of the use of ICT in counter terrorism efforts in Nigeria as a fledgling democracy. The study reviewed the challenges and prospects of the application of ICT to counter terror in a country where Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other militant groups have continue to challenge the legitimacy and territorial integrity of the Nigerian state. The work used the mixed method –comprising qualitative and quantitative analytical efforts and found out that for the Nigerian State to make sustainable impacts in her counter terrorism efforts ICT should be the pivot. In the same vein, the study advocated adequate training and sustainable Information Technology policy and culture that will encourage the development of substantial capacity to drive an ICT-driven counter terrorism in a world full of rapidly mutating terrorism.

Major Issues and Dilemmas in Intelligence Gathering and Sharing as a Counterterrorism Strategy

“…Although intelligence alone may not thwart a possible attack, it is fundamentally the primary step to identification and prevention of an attack (Flavius-Cristian & Andreea, 2013). There are two fundamental purposes served by intelligence gathering in the War on Terror: the primary one is informing policies and the secondary one is supporting military and or police operations that aim at guarding the country against terrorists and preventing their proliferation (Nte, 2011). However, existing literature has made little efforts to connect the dots on how these shapes in particular, the intelligence operations framework in combating terrorism.…”

“…Intelligence sharing contributes significantly to other counterterrorism strategies where according to Nte (2011), it contributes significantly to both defensive and offensive strategies making it fundamental in collective strategies in the fight against transnational terrorism. Its main advantages include its strong ability in uncertainty reduction, provision of early warning as well as provide insight to policy making in fighting terrorist attacks (Martin, 2016).…”

“…Its main advantages include its strong ability in uncertainty reduction, provision of early warning as well as provide insight to policy making in fighting terrorist attacks (Martin, 2016). Therefore, IG & S serves two purposes: informing policy and supporting police, military or covert operations directed towards enhancing state security (Nte, 2011).…”

Strengthening Intelligence Gathering and Sharing in Reducing Terror Related Acts in Kenya

“…In Africa, different states have also established different intelligence sharing mechanisms. For instance, in Nigeria, Nte (2011) In Kenya, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is the main institution charged with the responsibility of intelligence gathering under Article 242 of Kenya's constitution. The Criminal Intelligence Unit of the CID also contributes greatly in intelligence gathering under its mandate as stipulated under the National Police service Act, 2011(Directorate of Criminal Investigations, 2015.…”