Securitising Terrorism in Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of Political Rhetoric and Counterterrorism Policies (2021–2025)

This study rigorously analyzes the securitisation of terrorism in Nigeria via a thematic examination of political discourse and counterterrorism strategies. Utilising the Copenhagen School’s securitisation theory, the research examines how Nigerian political figures frame terrorism as an existential danger, hence justifying the exceptional measures and influencing public opinion. The study uses qualitative content analysis to examine speeches, policy papers, and official declarations by the prominent political individuals and institutions from 2009 until 2024. Principal discoveries indicate that political discourse continuously characterises terrorism as a menace to national cohesion and sovereignty, frequently employing religious and ethnic themes. Counterterrorism policies are predominantly militarised, with less focus on human rights or community-oriented strategies. The securitization narrative has led to the marginalisation of some communities and areas, especially in the northeast. There exists a disparity between professed democratic principles and the authoritarian inclinations in policy execution. The research underscores the ramifications of securitisation for democratic government, civil freedoms, and regional stability. This research elucidates the discursive and policy aspects of Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework, enhancing comprehension of the interplay between security, politics, and rhetoric within a precarious democratic environment.