Counter-terrorism and the Nigerian space: Thematic analysis of Dandaura’s <i>Three things</i> against Orwell’s reflections on <i>Gandhi</i>

Abstract

Terrorists and terrorism have become popular words on the global scene. The repeated activities of terrorists in several countries across the globe in the  ensuing years after their appearance on the scene, has forced the introduction and activation of global response, one of which is counter-terrorism. The  United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on 8 September, 2006. The strategy is a unique global instrument to  enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. Counter-terrorism incorporates the practice, military tactics, techniques and  strategy that government, military, law enforcement, business and intelligence agencies use to combat or prevent terrorism. The Nigerian nation, like  several others, has over the years, had to contend for her sanity since she experienced the advent and growth of terrorist organisations like Boko Haram.  The ‘success’ of Boko Haram may have been the door opener for other violent extremist groups such as the Fulani herdsmen to perpetrate their horrific  acts within the nation’s borders. Such horrific acts must be countered, even though unorthodox counter-terrorism methods like film. This paper seeks to  examine the level of destruction caused by herdsmen and methods of counter-terrorism adopted in affected communities upon re-integration, if ever, via  the film, Three Things, written by Rai Dandaura.