An Overview of Theoretical and Practical Issues in Internal Security Management in Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter interrogates internal security management as a legitimate human interest and an aspect of the broad concept of security governance. It conceptualises security management to involve all planning, operational and tactical actions undertaken to prevent, contain or respond to a security situation with a view to strengthening existing security regime, neutralise perceived threats or normalise the situation in the aftermath of a breach. The chapter adopts a working definition of internal security management as administering the dynamics of security within a determinable unit of existence, which may be a community, town or country. It treats internal security as a preoccupation that could span the micro, and macro, levels, often also impacting on the domain of external security. This is based on the logic that the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of internal security management affects external security responses and capabilities, which though focus on externalities, affect and are affected by the former.