Journal of Islamic History

Cross-examining the Role of the Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army in Eradicating Terrorism in the Northeast through the Counter-Narrative Programme

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Globally, kinetic approaches (military force) have been the primary tool in combating terrorism. Since the rise of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Jamāʿat Ahl al-Sunnah li-l-Daʿawah wa al-Jihād “Association of the People of the Sunnah for Preaching and Jihād” popularly known as Boko-Haram in 2009, the Nigerian military has heavily invested in weaponry. Still, it continues to suffer significant casualties despite some successes. This has led to the adoption of a non-kinetic approach known as Counter-Narrative Programme under the control of the Directorate of Islamic Affairs (DOIA), which has been battling the activities of these terrorists’ group. This might be the reason why the non-kinetic approach, termed the counter-narrative approach, was introduced. What is the counter-narrative program? What military operations are taking place in the country? Which directorate of the Nigerian Army is saddled with the program? What is the role of the Directorate of Islamic Affairs (DOIA)? How efficient is the counter-narrative program? What led to the abandonment of the programme? And what is the way forward for the government to avert the subsequent explosion of new terrorist groups like the recent Lakurawa in order not to turn to another gorilla war? This paper is both qualitative and historical in approach, in interrogating the aforementioned issues. The paper concluded by dichotomizing the significance of the programme from an Islamic perspective, discussing the shortcomings of the programme, and ends with achievable recommendations.

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Acculturation of Marriage: Bugis and Dayak Tribes in Lampuyang Samuda Village, East Kotawaringin

Normery Andani, Muhammad Husni, Suryanti — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study attempts to evaluate the process and forms of cultural acculturation in marriages between the Bugis and Dayak tribes in Lampuyang Village, Teluk Sampit District, East Kotawaringin Regency. The focus of the research is targeted at how these two cultural traditions interact and adapt in marriage rituals within a multiethnic community. This study combines a qualitative approach employing ethnographic methodologies reinforced with a historical viewpoint to trace the background of the meeting of Bugis and Dayak civilizations in the region. Data were obtained from field observations, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, village officials, bridal couples, and documentation studie. The results show that Bugis and Dayak marriages in Lampuyang Village are the result of a selective and dialogical acculturation process. Traditional elements from both tribes are maintained but are adjusted through family agreements and the influence of dominant Islamic religious values. This acculturation does not lead to the elimination of cultural identity, but rather forms a contextual and adaptive pattern of integration. Thus, interethnic marriages in Lampuyang Village can be understood as a space for cultural negotiation as well as a means of social integration in a multiethnic society.

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