Nigeria has played a prominent role in peace support operations (PSOs) within Africa, particularly in regions marked by conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises. However, despite its active participation, there remain critical gaps in the theoretical and doctrinal foundations guiding Nigeria’s involvement in these operations. This paper critically examines the theoretical frameworks and doctrinal approaches that have shaped Nigeria’s peace support operations, with a focus on identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Drawing from a comprehensive review of policy documents, military doctrine, and case studies, the paper highlights the challenges faced by Nigeria in translating international peacekeeping theories into effective on-the-ground operations. Furthermore, it explores the limitations of Nigeria’s peace support doctrines in addressing complex modern conflicts, including those involving non-state actors, asymmetric warfare, and regional cooperation. The analysis suggests that while Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping are commendable, there is a pressing need for doctrinal reform and greater alignment with emerging global standards and regional peace strategies. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations for refining Nigeria’s approach to peace support operations to ensure better outcomes in future missions. ‎

Peace Support Operations, Theoretical Foundations, Doctrinal Challenges

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