THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AND JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATIONS ACROSSNORTHERN GEO- POLITICAL ZONESIN NIGERIA, 2011-2024: AN APPRAISAL

Nigeria's Northern geo-political zones have experienced persistent security challenges since 2009, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and ethno-religious conflicts. These threats necessitated the establishment of Joint Task Force (JTF) operations led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones. This study appraises the effectiveness of JTF operations HADIN KAI, SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE, and FASAN YAMMA from 2011 to 2024, examining their socio-economic impacts on affected communities. Employing qualitative analytical methods with primary and secondary sources, the study utilises thematic analysis grounded in Structural Functionalism theory. Findings reveal that JTF operations significantly degraded terrorist networks, reclaimed territories, and disrupted bandit activities, with Operation HADIN KAI liberating approximately 20 of 26 local government areas in Borno State and facilitating the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents. However, challenges persist, including substantial casualties among security personnel, with at least 454 soldiers killed between 2019 and 2025. While operations enhanced civilian protection, humanitarian relief, and economic revitalisation through stabilisation efforts and Quick Impact Projects, the overarching goal of establishing comprehensive security remains elusive. The study concludes that JTF operations are indispensable for national security but cautions that over-reliance on the AFN for Internal Security Operations poses long-term risks to their constitutional defence mandate, necessitating comprehensive reforms integrating military, socio-economic, and governance interventions for sustainable peace.