Military Reprisal Attacks and Social Justice in Nigeria: A Case Study of South East Nigeria

Abstract

Social justice remains the core value on which societies both ancient and modern survive on. Military reprisal attacks in Nigeria have been a recurring phenomenon, often resulting in severe human rights violations and exacerbating social injustices. This article examines the historical and contemporary instances of such attacks, especially in the South-East and Delta regions. Drawing on reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, it analyzes how these actions undermine social justice principles, such as equity, human dignity, and access to justice. The study employs a qualitative and doctrinal research method, relying on Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, relevant statutes, treaties, and case laws, including important commentaries and security reports. The scope is limited to Nigeria’s legal framework and major instances of reprisal attacks from 1999 to 2024 in the South Eastern part of Nigeria and the Niger Delta. With theoretical frameworks like Rawls' theory of Justice and Walzer’s Just War theory, the study adopts the theoretical definition of Social Justice as justice itself. Findings reveal patterns of impunity, civilian casualties, and socioeconomic disruptions that perpetuate inequality. Policy recommendations include judicial reforms, accountability mechanisms, and community-based conflict resolution. The research concludes with a strong recommendation for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s security apparatus and approach to align with international acclaimed social justice imperatives and standards. Key words include: Reprisal, social justice, military, impunity, accountability and justice.