Strategic Exclusion: The State and the Framing of a Service Delivery Role for Civil Society Organizations in the Context of Counterterrorism in Nigeria

This article examines the sociopolitical factors that influenced the framing of counterterrorism measures (CTMs) in Nigeria. It argues that the government strategically excluded civil society organizations CSOs from participating in the process of formulating CTMs. Thus, this situation renders CSOs without agency in the making of CTMs and their legal capacity to advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable groups in the context of counterterrorism in Nigeria. Additionally, the employed strategic exclusion of CSOs aided in the construction of a service delivery role that restrained political advocacy. Furthermore, the study argues that, despite the government counterterrorism approach, CSOs did not seek public support on the need to contest CTMs in Nigeria and have complied with these laws and policies. The empirical analysis is based on mixed-method research of CSOs and government agents. This research seeks to contribute to the debate regarding the effects of CTMs on CSOs by tracing the establishment of service delivery roles for CSOs to these organisations strategic exclusion in the formulation of CTMs.