Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between the protection of human rights and strategies at curbing security challenges in Nigeria. The paper considered the historical trajectory and the current state of affairs in the fight against terror and other armed conflicts. It draws attention to the intricate interactions between these two areas and their significant implications for the future of the country. Nigeria has experienced increase in the global terrorism indexes. The 2021 Global Peace Index ranked Nigeria 146 among 163 independent nations and territories according to its level of peacefulness. Although Nigeria had moved a step forward from 147 in 2020, the country still ranks eighth among the least peaceful countries in Africa. Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest terrorism threat levels in the world, with 1,245 fatalities recorded as at 2019, thus making effective anti-terror war a priority to the government. However, issues of insecurity and the uncoordinated approach of the security agencies in curbing the menace has impacted negatively on the protection of human rights. The article examines the importance of balancing national security and the protection of human rights and found that lack of proper anti-terrorism strategies on the part of the security agency often violate the rights of Nigerian citizens. The paper recommends the adoption of effective counter terrorism mechanisms that protect the inviolability of the existential rights of citizens.