UNDERSCORING THE IMPORTANCE OF INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM: REVEALING THE GAINS OF NIGERIAN ARMY-POLICE COLLABORATION, 1999-2015

Chilaka, Francis Chigozie, & Idika Ikechukwu

Department of Political Science, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State

Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State

Email: chilakafc@fuotuoke.edu.ng, wariykee@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The paper is geared towards making a case for inter-agency cooperation especially between the Nigerian army and police in the fight against terrorism. It also elucidates on failed efforts made by the government to eliminate Boko Haram activities which has made it expedient for the collaboration of the Nigerian Army and Police in the containment exercise. Using the collective security theory, the paper argues that Nigerian Army-Police cooperation is essential in the fight against Boko Haram, as it eliminated duplication of function, possible fratricide, bureaucratic bottlenecks, while it enthroned intelligence sharing, and the pooling of resources, but was not devoid of tension. Despite this, the paper maintains that collaboration is essential hence, recommends that para-military and military training should be done together, before they move to their fields of specialization. After learning the rudiments of security and receiving the same drills, for a couple of months, the trainees can now be transferred to various agencies’ training schools. This will create the bond needed for interagency cooperation.

Keywords: Army, Police, Containment, Boko Haram, Inter-Agency, Cooperation