Chapter Three

Research methodology

3.1 Research Design

This study employs a qualitative research approach, which is ideal for studies that want to

investigate experiences, meanings, and interpretations rather than numerical patterns. Through

narratives, reflections, and professional assessments, qualitative methodologies enable a

thorough analysis of how terrorism affects the well-being of children. Creswell and Poth (2018)

support this strategy, arguing that qualitative investigation is acceptable when the goal is to

comprehend complex social events from the perspectives of individuals directly involved. The

design also allows for in-depth engagement with military personnel and healthcare practitioners

who have firsthand experience with insecurity-related events and the effects for children in

Kwara State.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of interest consists of military personnel based in Kwara State who have served

in regions impacted by terrorism in Nigeria, as well as healthcare professionals delivering

emergency, trauma, and psychosocial services to children. These two groups offer valuable

perspectives on the relationship between terrorism and child protection.

As reported in the Nigerian Army Personnel Statistics (2024), there are currently over 650

active-duty soldiers allocated among various divisions, battalions, and training centers in Kwara

State. Many have been involved in missions in areas plagued by Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry,

and communal violence. They have worked with children who have been displaced, separated
from their families, or exposed to violence, highlighting the significance of their input for the

study.

Furthermore, the Kwara State Ministry of Health (2023) indicates that the state employs more

than 1,200 licensed health professionals, including emergency responders, pediatric nurses,

trauma specialists, psychologists, and social workers. These practitioners regularly handle cases

concerning children who have endured violent incidents, trauma-related injuries, and

emergencies, including the recent Ilorin tanker explosion and the Patigi boat accident, both of

which exposed weaknesses in the protective frameworks for children in emergencies.

The collective experiences of these two groups form the central population for the study, as they

address the impacts of terrorism from institutional, professional, and humanitarian perspectives.

3.3 Sources of Data

Primary Sources

Primary data will be collected through comprehensive, semi-structured interviews with military

personnel and healthcare professionals. These interviews will gather:

• firsthand accounts from field activities

• clinical interactions with traumatized children

• difficulties in managing emergencies

• organizational weaknesses in child protection amid insecurity

• insights related to rescue, evacuation, or medical care

The semi-structured interview format promotes a conversational atmosphere, allowing

participants to communicate openly.

Secondary Sources

Secondary data will be sourced from:

• reporting by UNICEF, UNDP, and Human Rights Watch

• research literature addressing terrorism, trauma, and child protection

• publications from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Health, and NEMA

• mass media documentation, policy briefs, and national guidelines on child

protection

These resources offer historical and contextual insight for analyzing primary data.

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

The research utilizes a sample of 20 individuals, comprising:

• 10 military personnel with experience in areas affected by insecurity or terrorism.

• 10 healthcare professionals focused on child health, trauma care, emergency response, mental

health, or community protection.

Qualitative research does not necessitate large sample sizes since its aim is to explore depth

rather than achieve widespread generalization (Patton, 2015). Consequently, a sample of 20

participants is sufficient for gathering in-depth narratives while allowing for manageable data

analysis. Data collection will proceed until saturation is achieved. A purposive sampling method

is employed as it allows for the intentional selection of individuals with relevant expertise
concerning terrorism, trauma, and child protection. This approach is especially suitable for

qualitative research where participants must possess specialized knowledge (Etikan, Musa &

Alkassim, 2016).

Military personnel will be recruited from units that include officers experienced in counter-

insurgency missions. Healthcare professionals will be chosen from hospitals and emergency care

facilities recognized for managing cases involving injured or traumatized children. This

technique guarantees that each participant selected provides valuable insights that align with the

objectives of the study.

3.5 Research Instruments.

Data will be gathered using semi-structured interview guides, which enable participants to

answer flexibly while ensuring the discussions align with the study's objectives. The questions

will address themes such as:

• the nature of children's encounters with violence

• instances of injury, trauma, or psychological distress

• military interactions with at-risk children during operations

• difficulties in providing medical or psychosocial assistance

• institutional limitations and protective measures

An interview guide is suitable because it strikes a balance between structure and flexibility

(Kvale & Brinkmann, 2015). Field notes will also be compiled to record details of the

environment and non-verbal cues.

3.6 Validity of the Instruments and Reliability of the Instruments

An interview guide is suitable as it combines a degree of structure with an element of flexibility

(Kvale & Brinkmann, 2015). Additionally, field notes will be created to record contextual

information and non-verbal cues. Consistency in procedures during data collection helps to

uphold reliability. Each participant will be posed the same questions following a uniform guide.

With participants’ permission, interviews will be audio recorded for precise transcription. Field

notes will be taken alongside recordings to ensure thoroughness.

Employing standardized interviewing methods improves dependability, aligning with the

perspectives of Nowell et al. (2017) regarding qualitative reliability.

3.7 Method of Data Collection

In-person interviews will be conducted in secure and private environments. For military staff,

sessions will occur in designated units or offices, while healthcare professionals will be

interviewed at hospitals, clinics, or neutral locations. The duration of each interview will range

from 30 to 45 minutes.

Participants will be guaranteed confidentiality through the use of coded identifiers. All

interviews will be audio-recorded only with the consent of the participants.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

The research utilizes thematic analysis, which includes:

1. Converting audio recordings into written transcripts

2. Carefully reading the transcripts multiple times

3. Identifying and coding significant statements

4. Organizing codes into overarching themes

5. Analyzing themes in accordance with the research goals

This study is guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2019) framework for thematic analysis. Narratives

are expected to reveal themes such as trauma, insecurity, child vulnerability, institutional

responses, and gaps in protection.

3.9 Ethical Considerations

The research adheres to established ethical guidelines. Participation is voluntary, and consent

will be secured prior to each interview. Personal details will remain confidential, and no

identifying information will be included in the final report. Approval will be sought from the

appropriate authorities before engaging with military and healthcare organizations.

Considering the sensitive nature of conversations related to terrorism, participants can withdraw

at any time, and any emotionally challenging questions will be approached with care. All

recordings will be securely stored and will be deleted once the research is finished.
References

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in

Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. [Link]

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among

five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The Sage handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.).

Sage Publications.

Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and

implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.