By Leo Zwanke

Terrorism remains one of the most daunting challenges confronting Nigeria, with its tentacles spreading across borders and leaving behind trails of destruction that undermine lives, property, and national cohesion.

Over the years, successive administrations have deployed a mix of legislation, military operations, and intelligence strategies in the bid to combat insurgency.

Yet, the persistent dilemma has been how to strike a balance between these counterterrorism measures and the protection of fundamental human rights, a debate that continues to resonate both nationally and globally.

It was against this backdrop that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Labaran Magaji, presented his latest book, “Enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Laws and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria,” in Abuja.

More than a literary unveiling, the event at Rainbow Event Centre became a convergence point for Nigeria’s intellectuals, policymakers, political leaders, and community figures, who gathered to reflect, commend, and deliberate on how the nation can confront terrorism without compromising justice and constitutional freedoms.

The gathering was filled with reflections, praises, and candid commentary on how Nigeria should proceed in confronting terrorism without sacrificing justice and rights.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Labaran Magaji emphasised on the delicate balance required in fighting terrorism without undermining constitutional rights. According to him:“The fight against terrorism must not be waged at the expense of the fundamental rights of Nigerians. While national security is non-negotiable, the protection of human rights remains the cornerstone of democratic governance. It is possible, and indeed necessary, to reconcile these two seemingly conflicting objectives.”

The Senior Advocate recounted his experiences investigating Boko Haram cases in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, where innocent civilians were sometimes misclassified as terrorists by questionable security methods.

He narrated how in Yobe, entire communities were subjected to crude profiling using an armoured personnel carrier nicknamed(APC)“the computer.” Anybody could fall a victim,” Magaji said. “Thousands of people were detained without any offense linking them to terrorism. That was a motivation for me to go into this research. I wanted to find a balance where suspected terrorists could be fairly tried without denying them their constitutional rights.”

He added that even those caught in the act of terror must be subjected to due process:“Assuming, without conceding, somebody came here with an improvised explosive device wanting to detonate it, our natural instinct would be to beat him to death. But the law requires that even at that, he is still a suspect. That is the weight of the Constitution. That is why this book is not to undermine any institution, but to provide solutions and knowledge that strengthen our fight against terror.”

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Abubakar Malami SAN, hailed the work as both timely and courageous.“During my tenure, one of the toughest balancing acts was ensuring that our anti-terrorism measures complied with constitutional guarantees and international human rights commitments.

Dr. Magaji’s book provides a scholarly framework grounded in both law and practical realities. It is a resource that policymakers and legal practitioners must not ignore.”

Malami stressed that law enforcement strategies must go hand-in-hand with legitimacy:“The fight against terror cannot be won by arms and laws alone. It must be won by building trust in government institutions.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, linked the subject of terrorism to development challenges.“Terrorism thrives where poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment are prevalent. As leaders, we must understand that the best form of counterterrorism is to build an inclusive society where citizens feel a sense of belonging.

“I commend Dr. Magaji for this intellectual contribution, because governance must be rooted in knowledge.”

Sule also noted that Nasarawa State was proud of Magaji’s elevation to SAN, describing him as “a son of the soil who represents the state’s growing contribution to national development.”

Justice Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, highlighted the judiciary’s pivotal role:“The courts remain the last hope of the common man, and in terrorism cases, the weight on the judiciary is enormous. Judges must interpret anti-terrorism laws in ways that protect the state without eroding freedoms. Dr. Magaji’s work is a vital tool for both the bench and the bar.”

Philanthropist and political stakeholder, Dr. Muhammad Maikaya, praised Magaji’s work for bridging academia and policy.“This is not just an academic text, it is a practical guide for policymakers. Magaji has demonstrated that security and rights are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. We cannot win the fight against terror without winning the confidence of the people.”

The Accountant General of Nasarawa state Dr. Ahmed Musa Muhammad emphasized that the book echoes long-standing advocacy points.“ you cannot bomb terrorism out of existence. You must address the causes and respect human rights. Dr. Magaji’s book is a ‘call to conscience’ for the state. It should be on the desks of lawmakers, security chiefs, and judicial officers.”

Political analysts at the event also weighed in on the larger implications while Barr. Samuel Ogah, a constitutional lawyer and political commentator, said the book could redefine Nigeria’s security debate.“For years, politicians have exploited insecurity either to score points or to justify draconian policies. What Dr. Magaji has done is to strip the issue bare, showing that the fight against terror must not turn the state itself into a violator of rights.”

Hon. Musa Ibrahim, an APC chieftain from Toto Local Government, described Magaji’s elevation to SAN as a political asset for Nasarawa.“He is not just a lawyer; he is a voice of reason. Nasarawa needs intellectuals like him who can influence national policies from an informed perspective.”

Mrs. Grace Auta, a PDP women leader in Nasarawa, added:“We may belong to different parties, but on security, we must unite. Magaji’s book provides us with knowledge to press for reforms in how terrorism is handled.”

Observers from civil society, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), also expressed interest in collaborating with Magaji to mainstream rights-based approaches in counterterrorism policy.

Legal scholar Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George SAN, who reviewed the book, described it as “a masterpiece that combines doctrinal analysis with field experience.”“This book demonstrates that Nigeria can lead Africa in showing how to fight terror lawfully. It should be adopted by universities, law schools, and training academies for security forces.”

By the close of the Abuja event, one consensus had emerged: Dr. Labaran Magaji’s elevation to SAN and his new book are not just personal achievements, but milestones for Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.

As one political pundit put it:“Nigeria needs more SANs like Magaji — not only Senior Advocates of Nigeria, but Senior Advocates of Nationhood.”

The launch of “Enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Laws and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria” was therefore more than a ceremonial event; it was an invitation to reflect, debate, and chart a sustainable path forward.

As Dr. Magaji aptly noted: “The true measure of our success against terrorism is not only in the number of battles won, but in how faithfully we preserve the values of humanity while confronting terror.

” The Abuja gathering was ultimately about more than a book—it was about Nigeria’s soul, and the critical question of whether the nation can defeat terror without becoming a terror to its own people.