Valentine Ayokhaude Gabriel

Akoji, Richard Oklagba| Obiageri Angelina Odife

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of Islamophobia as both a global and local security concern and explores how international counterterrorism discourses contribute to social alienation and radicalisation in Nigeria. Drawing on recent literature, the study demonstrates that Islamophobic narratives embedded in global security policies, political rhetoric, and media representations intensify discrimination against Muslim communities, undermine trust in state institutions, and create conditions that extremist groups exploit for recruitment and legitimacy. Using a qualitative content synthesis of academic literature, policy documents, and case studies from Nigeria’s insurgency context, the article finds that Islamophobia functions not only as a consequence of terrorism but also as a driver of socio-political exclusion and insecurity. The findings further reveal that securitised approaches that associate Islam with extremism weaken counterterrorism effectiveness by deepening grievances, marginalisation, and identity-based tensions within affected communities. The study concludes that sustainable counterterrorism strategies in Nigeria require inclusive, culturally sensitive, and rights-based frameworks that address both violent extremism and the structural conditions that fuel radicalisation. It recommends the adoption of an inclusive counterterrorism framework, reform of security and law enforcement practices, responsible media reporting and counter-narratives, promotion of interfaith dialogue and social cohesion, addressing socio-economic drivers of radicalisation, development of context-sensitive counterterrorism policies, strengthening academic research and policy dialogue, encouraging community participation in security governance, strengthening human rights and democratic institutions, and Educational Reforms and Peace Education.

   

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Published: 2026

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