EXAMINING NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO R2P PRINCIPLE IN RELATION TO MILITARY ACTIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST, FOCUSING ON EGWU EKE AND OPERATION UDOKA

Abstract

The study examined Nigerian Government Commitment to R2P principle in relation to military actions in the South East, focusing on Egwu Eke and Operation Udoka. The Nigerian military has conducted various operations in the South East region of the country to combat pro-separatist groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These operations, including "Operation Python Dance" (Egwu Eke) and "Operation Udoka," have resulted in a significant number of casualties and collateral damage on both sides. There have been allegations that the military operations aim to target prominent supporters of the Biafran struggle. Human rights groups have reported killings and torture of unarmed individuals during these operations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated an investigation into the September 2017 invasion of a community in Abia State by Nigerian soldiers. The Nigerian government claims that the military operations are necessary to address rising criminal attacks in the region. The study explores the applicability of the United Nations Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle to protect self-determination proponents in the South East. It suggests that if the Nigerian government fails in its responsibility to protect its citizens, similar to the case of the Rwandan genocide, the United Nations should invoke the R2P doctrine. The study recommends negotiation and/or a referendum as better approaches to address the Biafra agitation rather than a solely kinetic approach by the Nigerian government