Nonviolent Counterterrorism Measures as a Panacea for Peace and Political Stability in the Niger Delta: An Analysis of Nigeria’s Amnesty Policy

Abstract

The best approach to resolve major conflicts confronting states remains a source of debate amongst conflict scholars; hence, this paper examined nonviolent counterterrorism measures as a panacea for peace, political stability and development in the Niger Delta. The paper argues that the cost of resolving conflict through nonviolence greatly outweighs the cost of resolving, conflict via the use of force. Data for the study were drawn from secondary sources while the analysis was done qualitatively. In terms of theoretical framework, the paper relied on the idealist theory to guide the study. The paper posits that to address the problem of insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian state and its leaders must invest more in the socio-economic development of its citizens through capacity building.