National Security In Nigeria Research Articles

State Police and National Security in Nigeria

State Police and National Security in Nigeria

Climate Change: An Emerging Threat To Nigeria’s National Security

Current and past realities in Nigeria's national security resonates a dominance as well as a reoccurrence of newly emerging and non-conventional security challenges as threats to public safety and stability in the country, despite a seeming propensity to concentrate on traditional and military threats. The attention garnered is enormous within and outside Nigeria following the constant danger to lives and order and other varying forms of social disruptions including heavy casualties. This research delves into a salient aspect of these new and emerging threats: Climate change. It finds that climate change is the most formidable threat security in Nigeria in recent time and going into the future; human and state alike. In addition to having a broader impact radius; including a high vulnerability as well as low adaptiveness among citizens being a developing country, the effects of climate change on the Nigerian society could be more destructive than analysts’ project meaning current impacts may yet be minimal. Hence drawing a critical need for immediate response and action. The paper submits that the attempt to contain this rising threat must incorporate higher securitization of the threat and its various forms; investment into public sensitization on the phenomenon; a general capacity building on alertness and crisis response system as well as general adaptivity to harsh outcomes of climate change. This piece equally enjoins a general shift in attitude together with the total reform of the Nigerian security structure to comprise and target threats to human security especially.

Poverty and National Security in Nigeria

Although poverty is a global phenomenon, its effects on the security of each country vary. In Nigeria with a large population of people living below the poverty level, the poor masses become, restive and vulnerable in their desperation to forge a living. It is in this circumstance that criminally minded leaders (political or religious) manipulate the vulnerable poor masses to carry out their wishes. It is the vulnerability of the poor for easy manipulation that threatens national security. This study becomes imperative due to the protraction of many violent conflicts, insurgencies and terrorist activities in the country. The study was shown that radical, extremist leaders depend greatly on the use of the poor masses in threatening national security in Nigeria.

Nigeria and the Challenges of Internal Security in the 21st Century

This paper examines the various internal security challenges confronting Nigeria in the 21st century. The paper adopts historical method and content analysis to investigate how the abysmal failure of the poorly formulated and ineffectively implemented National Security Policy has hitherto exacerbated internal security challenges in Nigeria. The paper further attempts a critical review of major internal security challenges hitherto confronting the country; such as the Niger Delta crises, kidnapping in the South-East geo-political zone, Jos crises, Boko Haram crises and crises by Fulani Herdsmen in the Northern part of Nigeria. The result of the analysis shows that these internal security challenges have not only been difficult to address by the National Security Policy, but have also impacted negatively on the country's desired socio-economic development in the 21st century. The paper, therefore, recommends among others, the need for a careful review of the Nigeria's National Security Policy that will not only be integrative/comprehensive in outlook, but will also take cognizance of some domestic factors that are currently responsible for internal security problems in the country; such as unemployment, inequality, poverty, fraudulent electoral process, corruption, skewed federalism, porous nature of the Nigeria’s borders, sabotage among politicalelites, bad governance, religious intolerance, citizen-settler controversies, among others.

Nigeria and the Challenges of Internal Security in the 21st Century

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Herdsmen militancy and humanitarian crisis in Nigeria: A theoretical briefing

ABSTRACTThis article explores the phenomenon of herdsmen militancy as a new trajectory for the farmer–herder crisis in Nigeria, with reference to its humanitarian implications. Relying on a systematic analysis of secondary data and aligning with the analytical anchorage of liberal political ecology theory, the article posits that herdsmen militancy depicts a contradiction in agrarian relations in the context of a national security crisis which has been complicated by salient socio-ecological factors such as climate change, armed violence, and identity politics. In view of the dire humanitarian consequences of this situation, the article submits that herdsmen militancy constitutes a major threat to human and national security in Nigeria. It makes a case for a pragmatic policy capable of mitigating the myriad socio-ecological factors that tend to trigger herdsmen militancy, with prohibition on open grazing in critical hotbeds of herder–farmer conflict as a strategic measure.

Corruption and Bad Governance: A Threat to National Economic Security in Nigeria During Democratic Dispensation

This paper investigated empirically corruption and bad governance as a threat to national economic security in Nigeria during democratic dispensation. The paper employed secondary data notably time series which was elicited from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Development Indicators (WDI) and global competitive index. The study begins by testing the stationarity property of the variables using Augmented Dickey Fuller in order to avoid obtaining a spurious regression result. Result from the stationary test revealed that all the variables are stationary at different order of integration. Result from the analysis was analyzed using ordinary least square method. The paper find out that corruption and bad governance impacted negatively and significantly to national security in Nigeria for the period under review. In the wake of this finding the paper strongly recommended that, the present government should continue and strengthen its fight against corruption in the country, this will go a long way in addressing governance morass, economic chaos, social pandemonium, political hullabaloo and security decay in the country.

Insurgence and National Security in Nigeria: A Focus on Boko Haram

The contemporary Nigeria has become a theatre of genocide, bloodshed and insecurity over the past years due to the carnage activities of terrorist groups. Terrorists of various groups and camps unleash havoc on the Nigerian populace. Though these groups are numerous, one of the most noticeable and deadly group is Boko Haram. This paper attempts to investigate if this group is one of the major security challenges confronting Nigeria today. The result reveals that a number of factors, including bad governance and religious and political manipulations, and the long and porous borders of Nigeria promote Boko Haram activities. As such, there is significant relationship between Boko Haram insurgency and national security in Nigeria. This paper recommends that at all levels of government, governance should be taken as a serious business especially in the area of provision of security and public goods such as improved infrastructure and the creation of the enabling environment needed for investment that would in turn creation opportunities for employments which will lead to reduction in poverty.

THE MASS MEDIA’S BEARING ON THE RESOLUTION OF POST-INDEPENDENCE SECURITY ISSUES IN NIGERIA

A conceituação da segurança nacional continua a ser um empreendimento taxativo, uma vez que diversos fatores ressaltam a sua capacidade em todos os níveis de percepção e, portanto, não pode ser restrita a uma única definição devido à sua natureza mutável de um Estado para outro. Assim sendo, a segurança nacional permanece dinâmica, fluida e multidirecional, mas é fundamental para a sobrevivência de qualquer Estado. Na Nigéria pós-independente, as ameaças securitárias a seus interesses nacionais não só envolvem ameaças convencionais, como as de outros Estados, mas também de atores não estatais e atividades como terroristas, traficantes de armas, piratas, traficantes, seqüestradores, insurgências de gângsteres de rua, disputas fronteiriças e milícias étnicas. Ao longo dos últimos cinquenta e seis anos, as ameaças tradicionais à segurança nacional na Nigéria se transformaram em uma séria e grande organização, que aparentemente não pode ser eliminada apenas por forças militares ou instituições de segurança. Os meios de comunicação de massa foram sugeridos por ter a capacidade de contribuir significativamente para ajudar as instituições de segurança a eliminar ou a verificar os desafios com os quais o país é confrontado. Talvez isso se deva ao fato de que os meios de comunicação são parte integrante da infra-estrutura de soft power, o que poderia facilitar a disseminação de informações de maneira rápida e eficaz, ajudando assim uma nação como a Nigéria a juntar a ação política apropriada que visa a consolidar a desejada segurança nacional. Implantando a definição da agenda e as teorias de enquadramento, este artigo empreende uma avaliação de se ou não os meios de comunicação nigerianos (especificamente, Daily Trust e The Punch) fizeram contribuições impactantes para a resolução de questões de segurança na Nigéria pós-independência, com uma referência particular para as insurgências da seita do Boko Haram. Emprega entrevistas analíticas, em profundidade (IDIs) e métodos históricos para analisar alguns relatórios da mídia sobre as insurgências com o objetivo de avaliar seu impacto sobre a segurança do Estado nigeriano. O estudo argumentou que, apesar da robustez dos meios de comunicação nigerianos, eles ainda devem ter uma influência significativa na eliminação de problemas de segurança na Nigéria pós-independência. Daí, o apelo, entre outras coisas, a uma maior sinergia entre as instituições de segurança e meios de comunicação de massa no país para alcançar os resultados.

Strategies for Enhancing Peace Education for National Security in Nigeria

This work is a product of library research. The purpose was to discuss national security in Nigeria in relation to peace education. The concepts of peace education and national security were presented. The reasons for national security were discussed. The researchers also articulated the efforts so far made in Nigeria to promote national security. The work also articulated the importance of peace education to national security. The major challenges to national security in Nigeria were highlighted and strategies for enhancing peace education for national security were documented. Part of the suggestions was that elders at family and society levels should show good examples and inculcate in the children, the culture of tolerance and coexistence in the plural society, as well as teaching them patriotism and civic responsibilities to the nation over and above allegiance to tribe or ethnicity as a way of achieving national security in Nigeria.

The Dynamics of Human and National Security in Nigeria: Lessons from the Boko Haram Insurgency

Nigeria, since independence in 1960, has been contending with various forms of ethno-religious, political and communal crises and conflicts that have implications for human and national security. The case of the current Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east geo-political zone of the country has demonstrated definite fundamental flaws in the country’s national security architecture. Consequently, this study attempts to cross-examine the dynamic forces of the human security, and national security in Nigeria by drawing from the lessons of the Boko Haram insurgency. Generated data from secondary data were subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis within the purview of the Boko Haram insurgency as a product of protracted political exclusion; economic marginalization; lack of basic educational and health facilities and a high rate of unemployment (all of which threatens the national security). The study reveals among others, that the present national security strategy which emphasizes the use of military force is grossly inadequate for addressing the security challenge; that such extremists’ agitations and other violent threats to national security in developing countries are likely to emanate from policy discontentment of citizens within country, rather than from external threats. Therefore, the study suggests a national human security strategy anchored on the welfare needs of the citizens (as articulated in the seven key elements of human security) as the best way of guaranteeing national security. It concludes that, since the Boko Haram insurgency is caused by the abandonments of the key elements of human security (such as the socio-economic and political deprivations) as the current repressive military approach alone is not sufficient, or likely to overwhelm the insurgency in the north east.

Cost of Peace Accounting and National Security in Nigeria: Does it Really Matter?

Purpose of the article: The cost of ensuring national security is very high, but measuring this cost has received little attention. One way of reacording and ascertaining the financial resources expended on national security is via Peace Accounting. Peace Accounting is an innovative idea that is taking a firm root in Nigeria and the world over. Peace accounting deals with ascertaining and reporting the financial resources accompanying domestic violence such as insecurity, political violence, insurgency, militancy, economic predicament, corruption and all other costs associated with national security. Methodology/methods: Secondary data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and the International Monetary Fund Cross Country Macroeconomic Statistics from 1996–2015. Ordinary Least Square estimation technique was employed in analyzing the data and analysis performed via SPSS. Scientific aim: This paper gauged the costs of peace accounting and its implication for national security in Nigeria. Findings: The study found that expenditure on internal security, cost of peace keeping and gross fixed capital formation are dynamics of peace accounting. Furthermore, cost of peace keeping is statistically significant except that expenditure on internal security and gross fixed capital formation were statistically flawed. Expenditure on internal security has negative impact on GPI. Conclusions: On the basis of the above, we recommend among others that countries like Nigeria faced with security challenges should engage professionals/experts that can help develop peace accounting models aimed at measuring the cost of peace. Also, special attention should be paid to expenditure on internal security since it has negative effect on GPI.

Electronic Governance and National Security in Nigeria

Electronic Governance has become an important tool for arresting the continued sophistication of the 21st Century security administration. This explains why virtually all countries of the world are keying into the programme to help curb the difficulties arising from the digitalization and internationalization of violent crimes. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has therefore become increasingly indispensable especially as it minimizes cost while encouraging efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. However, while a lot of achievements have been recorded in other sectors of the Nigerian economy through the adoption of e-governance, its result in the security sector remains in doubt as the insecurity situation in the country especially in the north continues to deteriorate despite the application of ICTs in security administration. The study aims to know why the utilization of ICTs in security administration has not enhanced the protection of lives and property in Nigeria especially in the north. The work is a documentary research that utilized qualitative methodologies in collecting and analyzing data. Consequent upon this, the paper discovered that the use of ICTs in security administration has not enhanced the protection of lives and property in Nigeria because even the available security gadgets are grossly under-exploited and sabotaged. The study therefore concluded that until the Nigerian government begins to adequately exploit e-governance through installation, utilization and maintenance of ICT gadgets in the management of national security, the insecurity situation will persist. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n6p363

Identity crisis, State vulnerability and ungoverned space in the Sahel region of Africa: implications for Nigeria national security

-The ungoverned spaces of the Sahel region represent the physical areas where there is absence or weak capacity of states to make representation culminating in pervasive national identity crisis. This work interrogates the ethos of ungoverned space in Nigeria in relations to decades of misrule, neo patrimonialism and prebendalism in the governance process. The paper, relying on “Competitive control theory” describes the unfolding paranormal context between competitive actors (state and groups) Leveraging on the gaps in the governance system within the country. the work concludes that the seemingly lack of government presents in the ungoverned space engulfing the Sambisa forest in North Eastern Nigeria has created a weak link in Nigeria‟s national security. Criminal syndicates and terrorist organizations like Boko Haram have leveraged extensively on this weak link to champion anti state crusade within the region enjoying massive covert support from local indigenes. The work therefore recommends a bottom up re-orientation on national identity through the educational curriculum.

The Role of Agricultural Education in Ensuring National Security in Nigeria

Nigeria is presently facing serious security challenges and instability that threaten our existence as people of one destiny. This article examines the important roles agricultural education can play in ensuring our national security. Vocational agriculture is a skill acquisition training programme for youths to be self-employed and self-reliance in agricultural production for empowerment. In addition, democratic principles and the rule of law must be enshrined in our political life for equity, fairness and justice. The roles of agricultural education in ensuring national security are in the areas of reduction in rural-urban migration, youth empowerment and reduction in youth unemployment and growth in industry. In conjunction with this, government needs to take pro-active security measures for the security and safety of the nation.

Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Nigeria: The Way Forward to National Security

More essentially, women have been subjected to social control and dominated by men. This is a result of persisting cultural stereotype, misuse of religious and traditional practises in which educational, political and social power are dominated by men, and women have always been followers of men in the society and the men predominantly see themselves as leaders of women. Gender Equality has been a great issue of concern in Nigeria most especially among the women, equality between men and women is just fair and right. The attainment of gender equality is not only seen as an end itself and human right issues, but as a prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development and national security in Nigeria. To respond to the challenges of gender inequalities, there is a need to recognise the main issues leading to inequality between genders. The research methodology is as termed qualitative research, with the use of primary data gotten through administered questionnaire and secondary data gathered from the news print and journals. The aim of the study was to basically know the major causes of gender inequality in Nigeria. We also suggested strategies to ensure gender equality in all sectors in Nigeria.

Ethnic crises and national security in Nigeria

The article focuses on the interface between ethnicity and national security in Nigeria. It critically explores the negative mobilization of ethnicity in Nigeria's fourth republic, and how this has been shaping (and reshaping) the democratization process, particularly in the management of cooperation and conflict over contestations for power and other resources. The re-democratization of Nigeria in 1999 has been preceded with high expectations of meaningful reductions in the high level of insecurity witnessed under the long years of military suzerainty. However, this has not been the case. Rather, what is obtained is an increase in national insecurity on a much larger scale. This article argues that one of the banes of national security in the Nigerian state is ethnic politics, which continues to witness changes in context and character with grave consequences for the future of democracy. The central argument is that ethnicity has always been a major driver of politics and conflicts in Nigeria and the trend is not likely to change anytime soon.

Re-Contextualizing Unemployment and National Security in Nigeria

Unemployment is largely blamed for the intractable security challenges in Nigeria. More worrisome is that population growth adds 4.5 million youths into the labour market every year that largely begs for the public sector attention as presently conceptualized. Previous studies have focused on national job creation to manage employment challenges. This study argues on the contrary and sues for re-conceptualization of the concept of unemployment. The problem is that unemployment is major buzzword for assessing government in Nigeria. Unless re-conceptualized, unemployment will continue to pose serious challenges to national security. A number of strategies are highlighted to contain the challenges.

State Policing and National Security in Nigeria

Nigeria is battling its worst level of insecurity since the civil war which ended in 1970. The need to reform and reposition the Nigeria Police Force has been topical in debates to improve security in the country. In fact, several high-powered committees have been set up and dozens of reports churned out on this subject. These efforts have been geared towards developing a formidable police force that will perform its constitutional duties of maintaining law and order and securing the lives and properties of all Nigerians. However, results have shown that the efforts of government have not delivered the desired results. The objective of this study therefore was to highlight the urgency in the need to establish a state police that will be capable of tackling the current challenge of gross insecurity in Nigeria. The study relied on secondary data in evaluating the feasibility of state policing in Nigeria. The analysis centred on variables like the reorientation of the force, insufficient budgetary allocation and judicious use of security vote, the practice of true federalism, the creation of employment opportunities and so on, in drawing its conclusions. Findings revealed that the current centralised system of administering the police force may not be tenable in adequately curbing the menace of insecurity in Nigeria. Recommendations proffered include the need to decentralize the police force forthwith. It is expected that the adoption and implementation of this among other suggested strategies will boost the operative capacity of the Nigerian Police Force to effectively carry out its designated roles and bring the mounting insecurity in the country under control. It is hoped that the results from this study will encourage Nigerian policy makers in formulating the right policies for national security. Besides, the results from this study will be useful to other researchers and students of public policy. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s1p412

Emergency Rule : A Panacea for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria

A state of emergency is traditionally invoked in order to justify a departure from or stretching of the rule of law, here the existence of an emergency is a prerequisite to invoking the rule of law at all. This paper examines the potency of a ‘state of emergency’ in peace and conflict resolution in Nigeria. Thus, the main concern of the paper was to interrogate how far a state of exception can be explored in times of emergency situations to engender peace in the polity. From a theoretical viewpoint, the paper argues that a state of emergency is located within the fiduciary function of a state. Fundamentally, the nature and the function of the state of emergency or ‘state of exception’ is to guarantee peace, security and equal freedom for everybody. The paper concludes by stating clearly that the conflict scenario portends negatively for the sustenance of national security in Nigeria. The paper recommends that emergency rule should be managed by the authorities in manners that will facilitate the realization of the goals of peace building and conflict resolution. Also, it suggests a strategic paradigm shift from anti-terrorism to counter-terrorism as a strategy for containing the crisis.