A Conceptual Examination of Militia Movements and Challenges to Socio- Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigeria state has for the past two decades been at the receiving end of a dramatic upsurge of militia movements. The guise of militia movements purportedly representing and seeking to protect their different group interests emerged as a result of the ethnic nationalities or religious groups perceived neglect, injustice, deprivation and marginalization within the Nigerian state. Nigerians today live in an era of militant insurgence with its grave social, economic, political and human costs. This study relies on secondary data from various sources to conceptualize the militia movement, its historical background, causative factors and implications on Nigeria's social-economic and political development. Consequent upon the threat posed by the menace of militia movements, this paper proffer possible solutions that can assist the government in tackling the insurgency of militia movements in Nigeria.