The War Against Terrorism and the Environment: Implications for the Right to a Satisfactory Environment in Nigeria’

Abstract

The world is currently witnessing various forms of terrorism, sometimes leading to war, with devastating impacts on the environment. This article evaluates the implication of terrorism and the war on terrorism vis à vis the right to a satisfactory environment in Nigeria. In the Nigerian conflict, forests, national parks and other environmentally protected areas are major theatres of hostilities. The aim of the article is to examine the impact that terrorism and war have on the environment and the right to a healthy environment in Nigeria and to explore ways of mitigating the impacts of armed conflict on the environment. We therefore ask the following questions: In what way(s), if any, does terrorism and the war on terrorism affect the right to a healthy environment in Nigeria? What are the relevant rules under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) that could be utilised for protection of the environment? What viable measures can be taken to better protect the right to a healthy environment while countering terrorism? Protecting the environment before, during and after armed conflict is of utmost importance to any government. Nigeria may discharge this legal burden by preventing and mitigating the factors which give rise to terrorism and armed conflict as well as incorporating environmental considerations in its legal response to terrorism and conflict.