Abstract
This study examines Nigeria's hybrid security threats and state responses between 2010 and 2025,
focusing on terrorism, armed banditry, and separatist agitation. Since 2009, Nigeria has
experienced a dramatic transformation in its internal security environment, characterised by the
convergence of Boko Haram insurgency, ISWAP terrorism, organised banditry in the North-West,
and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) separatist movements in the South-East. These threats
represent a hybrid conflict environment where ideological violence, criminality, political
grievances, and identity-based mobilisation intersect. Employing a qualitative documentary
research design and content analysis, this study evaluates government responses including
military operations, counterterrorism legislation, intelligence reforms, and regional security
cooperation. Guided by Hybrid Warfare Theory, the analysis reveals that despite substantial
financial and military investments, state responses have achieved only partial success due to
excessive militarisation, inadequate intelligence coordination, corruption, and failure to address
structural drivers of insecurity. The study concludes that sustainable peace requires transitioning
from reactive military approaches to comprehensive human-security strategies encompassing
poverty reduction, youth employment, inclusive governance, institutional reforms, community
based security partnerships, and dialogue mechanisms. Recommendations emphasise
strengthening intelligence coordination, addressing socio-economic inequalities, promoting
political inclusion, enhancing border security, and integrating traditional institutions into conflict
prevention frameworks. This research contributes to understanding hybrid security threats in
fragile states and offers policy insights for comprehensive conflict transformation in Nigeria.