THE ETHICS OF WAR AND PEACE IN NIGERIA: A PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATION INTO NATIONAL SECURITY AND INSURGENCE

The paper did set out to examine the philosophical evaluation of peace, war, national security, and ethics, particularly in the context of Nigeria's counter-insurgency efforts. The ethical evaluation of war and peace became germane in national security discourses in Nigeria, especially, when cognizance is given to the ongoing fight or counter insurgency efforts of the Nigerian state. National discussions in Nigeria had raised concerns about the moral justification or underpinnings to the counter insurgency efforts, the ethical implications of military actions, and how these factors influenced or enhanced the pursuit of sustainable peace. Grounded in ethical theories such as “Just War Theory” and “Human Rights Theory”, thus, the paper exploring the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges, including the role of the military, government policies, and socio-political factors that underpinned both the insurgency and counter-insurgency strategies. Again, the study further examined whether Nigeria’s response aligned or agree with ethical principles or merely reflected a pragmatic approach to mitigating the consequences of prolonged conflicts. It also considered the ethical obligations of the state toward its citizens and the necessity of peace-building efforts beyond military intervention. The examination led the papers to several conclusions that includes military action was sometimes necessary, ethical considerations thus needed to be guided by justice and accountability. From the conclusions, the paper arrived at the recommendations canvass herein.