INSECURITY AND INSURGENCE IN NIGERIA: THE ISLAMIC LAW ANTIDOTE

Insecurity and insurgency are of course negative features of any governance. Nigeria as a country is foxed with all forms of insecurity to wit banditry, kidnapping, insurgence etc. This ugly development has no doubt crippled socio-economic growth in the country thereby exposing Nigerians to untold privations. Indeed, governments at various levels with different approaches have tried to perpetually arrest this ugly situation in the country but it appears these are inadequate and ineffective. However, Islam through its perfect legal regime (Shariᶜah) has taken care of all facets of human endeavours, administration of good governance inclusive. The sophisticated arrangements provided by Islamic law makes it easy for any Islamic-oriented government to abate any form of insecurity. Combining analytical and doctrinal methods, this paper takes a look at the responses and bailouts offered by Islamic law to insecurity and insurgency, with a focus on both classical jurisprudential principles and contemporary interpretations. Drawing from the primary sources of Islamic law and juristic expositions, this paper highlights Islamic legal apparatuses aimed at ensuring peace and preventing all forms of violence in Nigeria