International Law and Nigeria’s Obligations Regarding the Boko Haram Insurgency: Protection of Civilians

This research examines Nigeria's international legal obligations regarding the protection of civilians during the ongoing insurgency led by Boko Haram and its affiliates in the North East geopolitical zone, particularly across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. The conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, millions of internally displaced persons, and widespread destruction of property since 2009, raises pressing questions about compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The study employs a descriptive doctrinal methodology, drawing on the four Geneva Conventions, Common Article 3, Additional Protocol II, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions to evaluate the legal framework applicable to this non-international armed conflict. It critically examines the conduct of Nigerian security forces, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and destruction of civilian infrastructure, as documented by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the UN Secretary-General's reports. The paper contrasts these findings with Nigeria's stated commitment to IHL compliance and identifies the institutional deficits that undermine accountability. The role of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in coordinating humanitarian access is also assessed. Findings call for a comprehensive accountability mechanism to investigate violations by all parties and recommend the integration of civilian harm mitigation protocols into military operational planning. Keywords: Boko Haram, international humanitarian law, civilian protection, North East Nigeria, accountability.