Economic Justice as a Legal Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria: Learning from the United Kingdom Experience

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of economic justice as a lawful and sustainable counter-terrorism strategy through a comparative examination of the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Nigeria continues to prioritize military intervention as the principal response to terrorism; however, persistent violence indicates that structural socio-economic inequalities, unemployment, and regional marginalisation sustain conditions conducive to radicalisation. In contrast, the United Kingdom integrates economic justice within its legal and policy framework, thereby complementing security measures with socio-economic regulation. This research aims to evaluate the legal basis for implementing economic justice measures in counter-terrorism and to assess their relevance for long-term peacebuilding in Nigeria. The study employs a doctrinal research method by systematically examining legislation, public policy instruments, and scholarly works through the PRISMA framework to ensure transparent and rigorous source selection. The findings demonstrate that, first, the United Kingdom establishes a normative and institutional framework that links welfare regulation and social protection to the prevention of violent extremism; second, it enforces financial accountability and regulatory oversight to limit structural grievances and disrupt potential channels of radicalisation; and third, Nigeria maintains a predominantly securitised counter-terrorism regime that lacks enforceable economic rights and targeted development legislation. The study concludes that Nigeria should reform its legal framework by embedding inclusive economic governance, strengthening institutional accountability, and codifying socio-economic rights as integral components of a sustainable counter-terrorism strategy.