Understanding insecurity in Nigeria from the prism of terrorism and insurgency in the Fourth Republic

Abstract

The Nigerian state is faced with the challenge of curbing the menace of terrorists that engage in economic sabotage, and kidnapping for ransom, and whose attacks on national and international installations are capable of threatening the peaceful coexistence of the citizenry. However, economic disenfranchisement, ideological orientations and religious convictions have mostly influenced the support base of these terrorist activities, thus making the situation intractable. This study examined the effects and strategies adopted to combat the activities of the terrorists and insurgents in Nigeria. Conflict and political economy theories were employed as the framework of analysis. Data from secondary sources were adapted and utilized. The study found that the security situation has improved in the southern region due to the timely response and approach adopted by the federal government. However, it recommended decisive steps to consider engaging existing traditional institutions and religious organisations to deconstruct the already ideologically brainwashed sympathizers of the members of the groups in the northern region.