Complacency, Religious Mediocrity And Poverty Among Youth: Formidable Threats To National Security In Nigeria

Abstract

There have been concerns for the security of Nigeria as a nation and Nigerians as a people. These concerns have grown from bad to worse over the years as the security challenges of the country grow from the common political thuggery, land disputes and petty crimes among the people to bomb shelling, sea piracy and hostage taking for ransom. The sophistication of the arms being used by the armed bandits and the mastery expressed in operating them make the situation more worrisome. All the security apparatus of government have not only been employed and deployed to combat the situation but have also been overstretched to no avail. As many as 100 security and protection companies that are available in the country (companylist.org/Nigeria/security-protection) cannot also make a difference in the situation at hand. Stakeholders in the security industry have written and spoken on how to handle the situation (Albert, Eselebor &Danjibo, (eds.), 2012). Social critics and public commentators have offered suggestions on the way forward. Academics and professionals have also been called upon to give advices. Yet the security situation in the country remains a cause of major concern for Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike. Essien (2012) is apt on this when he posits: Isaac O. Albert, Willie A. Eselobor and Nathaniel D. Danjibo, Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Abuja, Aluko, B. A (2012), Political Corruption and National Security in Nigeria: The Imperatives of Transformational Leaders” in Isaac O. Albert, Willie A. Eselobor and Nathaniel D. Danjibo, Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Abuja, pp. 462-481 Campbell, J (2010) Nigeria Dancing on the Brink, Ibadan: Bookcraft Daily Sun of 19 May, 2015 Essien F (2012), Management of Security Threats in Nigeria: An Integrative Approach, Isaac O. Albert, Willie A. Eselobor and Nathaniel D. Danjibo, Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Abuja, pp.435-461 Jegede, I. (2011) Police seize arms in Ibadan, Nigerian Tribune, 15, March Mejabi, H. (2012) “Domestic Terrorism in the Niger Delta: A Case Study of Hostage Taking and Kidnapping in Abia, Nigeria” in Isaac O. Albert, Willie A. Eselobor and Nathaniel D. Danjibo, Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Abuja, pp.282-296 Nigerian Tribune, 2011 Okeomah, C.B (2010) How deep in Nigeria’s corruption? Tell Magazine, November 8 Omotosho, M. O (2012) “Reflections on the Media and Conflict Management in Nigeria”, Isaac O. Albert, Willie A. Eselobor and Nathaniel D. Danjibo, Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria , Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Abuja, pp.225-243 The Vanguard Newspaper 7th March, 2011 The Sun , Oct., 20, 2012 The Vanguard Newspaper, 19 May, 2015 The Punch 19 May, 2015