Critical terrorism studies and postcolonialism: constructing ungoverned spaces in counter-terrorism discourse in Nigeria

This article explores a neglected question in ongoing debates about counter-terrorism efforts Nigeria: How is Nigeria’s strategy discursively framed? The argues, part, that essentially political activity which contributes to the production of specific Nigerian identity by designating north-eastern Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin as “ungoverned” spaces. construction through geography, though, has important implications for policy, security Nigeria, beyond. study I also argue, presents an opportunity much-needed conversation between CTS postcolonialism broadening knowledge on discourses around (counter-)terrorism. Drawing upon concept space postcolonial scholarship, this demonstrates how relationship subjectivity offers broader framework articulating continuing, recent, counter-terrorism. It discourse reproduces, transforms, well-known Euro-centric state-centred intersect with colonial imperialistic ideas (and practices). In doing so, makes two notable contributions: first, it provides sustained focus official articulations examining primary data. Second, mobilizing postcolonialism, facilitates crucial theoretical reflections within (critical) terrorism studies.