Countering Terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin: Reassessing the Role of Vigilantism as a Counterterrorism Initiative

Vigilantism is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. As a state with various “alternatively governed” spaces the country has leant on vigilantes of differing forms as a source of authority where the state has been ineffective. Albeit proving controversial, their successes cannot be unrecognized. This article explores the public’s perception on vigilantes and the extent to which they should be deployed in Nigeria. We argue that vigilantes can have a role within counterterrorism initiatives especially in alternatively governed spaces. Vigilantes have a positive perception in Nigeria and with more training and structuring, vigilantes can be more effective in counterterrorism.

https://doi.org/10.1080/19392206.2025.2458409