BROKEN VESSEL: GOVERNMENT IGNORANCE OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

 By DICKSON, Treasure Eguolor

Introduction

Nigeria is often described as one of the countries with abundant natural and human resources, yet it still ranks among the world’s poorest nations when assessed by the living standards of its citizens. This is a striking reality, considering its contributions to the global market. Nigeria is the sixth-largest crude oil producer and exporter in Africa and the tenth-largest in the world. Other major exports include natural gas, cocoa, fertilizers, and agricultural products.

Despite these resources, a large percentage of the population lives below the poverty line due to corruption, economic mismanagement, and misplaced priorities. Although some of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges stem from globalization, many are internally generated, worsening the nation’s development crisis. Among these, corruption and poor governance have consistently been identified as the most critical problems (Abdullahi & Mukhtar, 2022).

Insecurity in Nigeria takes different forms, including religious extremism, terrorism, insurgency, armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, cybercrime, political thuggery, and trans-border criminal activities. Historical findings show that some political leaders have contributed to corruption, which has significantly worsened insecurity in the country. The solution lies in enforcing good governance, providing visionary leadership, and promoting unity and equal treatment among Nigeria’s diverse cultural and religious groups.

Conceptual Framework 

Insecurity

Insecurity in Nigeria is a complex crisis fueled by high poverty rates, youth unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms. From the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to widespread banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, these threats continue to disrupt agriculture, commerce, and the daily lives of citizens.

Nigeria is experiencing high rates of crime, and banditry has become a harsh reality in society today. Despite government efforts, the desired results have not been achieved. Insecurity in Nigeria should be critically examined by looking at its causes, consequences, and possible solutions. Illiteracy is also a major cause of insecurity, especially in the North-East and parts of the South-East. Presently, Nigeria ranks among the countries most affected by insecurity due to terrorism (ISWAP/Boko Haram), internal violence, armed conflicts, high crime rates, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

Security and Insecurity

Security remains an important topic in both academic and non-academic discussions. It generally refers to freedom from threats and the protection of individuals and society. Debates continue on whether security should primarily focus on individuals, nations, or the international system.

Security refers to a condition where people’s lives and property are protected. It promotes peaceful coexistence, stability, and order, which are necessary for a life free from fear, threats, and anxiety (Sani, Mukhtar & Isa, 2015). Security is not limited to protecting territorial integrity or strengthening the military. It also involves safeguarding human needs and preventing conditions that threaten societal well-being (Sani et al., 2015).

Security exists in different forms, including political, national, regional, community, and domestic security. It can only be achieved through the collective efforts of individuals, communities, ethnic groups, and political institutions. It involves protecting citizens’ welfare by creating an environment free from threats while maintaining law and order.

On the other hand, insecurity creates a feeling of vulnerability, fear, anxiety, and instability. Like security, insecurity also has personal, community, economic, and environmental dimensions.

Causes of Insecurity in Nigeria

Unemployment and Poverty: It is widely accepted that unemployment leads to poverty, while poverty increases crime, which in turn fuels insecurity.

Corruption: Corruption remains one of the greatest causes of insecurity. Government failure to provide adequate security has also contributed significantly to the problem.

Weak Security Apparatus: Nigeria’s security system is widely considered inadequate in terms of personnel and equipment. Many security officers are poorly trained and sometimes display negligence in the discharge of their duties, with some even participating in criminal activities. As a result, the required expertise is often lacking to effectively address security challenges. This weakness is caused by corruption, inadequate personnel, poor funding, lack of modern equipment, and insufficient training.

Recommendations

There should be the establishment of divisional police headquarters in different communities to improve the management of insecurity. There is also a need to build an economy supported by adequate social, economic, and physical infrastructure that encourages business and industrial growth.

The government should improve citizens’ living standards by establishing more entrepreneurship centres across the country. More job opportunities should also be created for young people to discourage involvement in criminal activities.

Politicians who sponsor or use political thugs should be banned from politics for life. The government should also promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, insecurity goes beyond guns and ammunition. It also requires educating citizens on good governance and creating employment opportunities for the teeming youth, many of whom are frustrated because the future appears uncertain. Addressing insecurity requires the collective effort of government and citizens to build a nation where peace and justice reign.