Continued from yesterday
It is important to look into the various factors and causes of security breaches in Nigeria; in order to get a proper perspective of the insecurity issues affecting Nigeria. Core drivers of insecurity in Nigeria need a Multi‑Faceted Analysis.
Understanding why Nigeria struggles with insecurity; requires, looking at several interlocking causes which point to a blend of historical, economic, political, and environmental factors such as: –
1. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: – Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic nations, with the major ones including Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. There are Religious divisions, predominantly between Islam and Christianity, which often, exacerbates these ethnic tensions. Conflicts over land, resources, and political power frequently have ethnic and religious underpinnings, and manipulations.
Nigeria’s multi‑ethnic and religious fabric are both strengths and also flashpoints. The elite exploitation of identity politics, coupled with perceived marginalization, fuels communal clashes that armed groups exploit for legitimacy.
2. Economic Disparities: – Widespread poverty and unemployment in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, which seemingly contributes significantly to the issues of insecurity. The lack of economic opportunities pushes individuals toward extremist ideologies and criminal activities.
The economic disparity between the Northern states and the Southern states further complicates national cohesion. The sudden interest of solid minerals and rare earth minerals in Nigeria has also fuelled or may be the major reason why there are mass killings and genocide in certain cases and locations in Nigeria.
The rate of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria is a fertile terrain for insecurity to thrive. With over 60 % of the population under 30 years of age and youth unemployment soaring, many see leaders of armed groups and gangs as celebrities and a means of income. Poverty amplifies grievances, making recruitment easier for bandits and extremists religious cells.
3. Corruption and Weak Institutions: – Corruption remains an endemic and pervasive issue in Nigeria, undermining public trust in institutions, leadership and the rule of law. Misallocation of resources, nepotism, and lack of accountability hinder effective governance and nurtures insecurity. The security forces, weakened by corruption, struggle to address the rising tide of violence effectively.
Corruption siphons resources meant for security, leaving agencies under‑funded, poorly equipped, and vulnerable to patronage. The Ransom-Economy thrives because criminal groups know the state is often slow, under‑resourced, or compromised . When security funds are diverted, equipment rusts, training lags, and morale plummets.
As a result of inadequate security infrastructure, Nigeria’s security agencies have faced criticism for their inability to respond effectively to security threats. Insufficient funding, inadequate training, inappropriate use of intelligence gathering, and lack of modern equipment hinder the capacity to tackle insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements. The inability to provide basic security services fosters a culture of impunity.
Climate Change and Resource Competition also places its part in Nigeria’s insecurity problems. Desertification in the north and oil spills in the Niger Delta create competition over land and water, pushing herders and farmers into conflict. Climate‑induced displacement adds another layer of insecurity.
4. Porous Borders and Proliferation of Arms and Ammunition: – The easy availability of arms, ammunition and other weapons has fuelled violence in Nigeria. Conflict in neighbouring countries, such as Libya and the Central African Republic, has led to the influx of arms and ammunition into Nigeria, intensifying clashes among armed groups and communities. The Sahel’s ungoverned and unregulated territories and spaces allow for hideouts and passage of weapons to flow freely into Nigeria, arming bandits, insurgents, and separatists. Weak border controls also enable the movement of mercenaries, arms, ammunition and illicit funds.
5. The Role of Technology: – While technology can enhance security efforts, it also poses challenges. The misuse of social media and online platforms can spread misinformation that incites violence especially by bandits and religious extrimists. Additionally, the use of mobile technology by criminal organizations complicates efforts to track and apprehend criminals.
6. Government Failures and Lack of Trust: – The forgiven Boko Haram members who are then employed into the Nigerian Army, repeated government indecisiveness, inappropriate selective amnesty deals, and the perception that the state favours certain regions and tribes; erode public confidence and trust in government. When citizens do not trust the government and its institutions such as the police or the judiciary, they are less likely to cooperate, allowing criminal networks to flourish .
The significant security insurgent groups and issues affecting Nigeria that must be curbed to bring insecurity to the minimal are: –
1. Boko Haram and ISWAP: – Boko Haram, along with its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province [ISWAP], continues to pose a significant threat. Their terror activities and campaigns, characterized by suicide bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on military and civilian targets, have wreaked havoc in north eastern Nigeria. The humanitarian crisis resulting from the insurgency includes millions of internally displaced persons [IDPs] struggling for basic needs.
2. Banditry and Kidnappings: – In recent years, banditry and kidnappings for ransom have surged across the north part of Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kogi and Niger states. Armed groups exploit the absence of effective security measures, targeting schools, businesses, travellers and individuals. These acts of violence create a climate of fear and disrupt daily life.
3. Farmer-Herder Clashes: – The perennial clashes between farmers and nomadic Fulani herders, particularly in the North-Central region, have escalated in recent years. Competition for land and water resources, exacerbated by climate change and desertification, often leads to violent confrontations. These conflicts may sometimes have ethnic and religious undertones, further complicating resolutions.
4. Militant Groups in the Niger Delta: – The Niger Delta has seen its fair share of violence, primarily due to the activities of militant groups protesting against oil companies and government neglect. Whilst the incidents of violence have decreased since the amnesty program in 2009, issues related to environmental degradation and resource control still persists.
5. Negotiating and Compensating Criminality: – It rather ill-advice to negotiate and compensate criminals instead of prosecuting and sending them to prisons our correctional centres. It sends out wrong signals to our youth that crime pays and is rewarded by our government.
Those encouraging this type of approach in dealing with heinous criminals should be made to snap out of this negative direction in the administration of justice.
6. The illegal arms and ammunition trade significantly enhances the capabilities of insurgents and criminal groups, particularly in conflict-prone regions like Nigeria. These are some detailed impacts of this trade:
i. Increased Firepower: – Insurgents gain access to a wider array of weapons, including automatic rifles, grenades, and even heavier weaponry such as machine guns and explosives. This increased firepower allows them to engage security forces more effectively and carry out more sophisticated attacks.
ii. Sustained Operational Capacity: – With a steady supply of arms, insurgent groups can sustain their operations over longer periods. This ability to maintain a consistent flow of weapons supports ongoing conflicts, prolonging violence and instability. Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP can continue their insurgencies without the worrying about immediate shortages of armaments.
iii. Enhanced Recruitment and Morale: – Access to illegal arms can serve as a recruitment tool for insurgent groups. The perception of strength due to the availability of weapons can attract new members who seek to join a powerful and well-armed faction. Moreover, the possession of sophisticated weapons can boost the morale of existing fighters.
iv. Intimidation of Local Populations: – Insurgents equipped with illegal arms can intimidate local communities, enforcing compliance through fear. This form of coercion helps maintain control over territories, making it difficult for civilians to resist or report insurgent activities to the authorities.
v. Undermining Security Forces: – The illegal arms trade contributes to a significant power imbalance between insurgent groups and traditional security forces. As insurgents become better equipped, the ability of security forces to effectively combat them diminishes. This dynamic has led to increased casualties among security personnel and a loss of territory that creates a cycle of insecurity.
vi. Cross-Border Operations: – The flow of illegal arms often transcends national borders, enabling insurgents to carry out operations in neighbouring regions. This cross-border capability can complicate counter-insurgency efforts, as tracking and intercepting these arms becomes increasingly difficult for security forces.
vii. Proliferation of Small Arms: – The arms trade primarily deals in small arms, making them easily concealable and transportable. The proliferation of such weapons fuels conflicts not just among insurgents but also leads to gang violence and other forms of criminal activity, creating a broader environment of insecurity.
viii. Funding of Insurgency Activities: – Profits from the illegal arms trade can be reinvested into insurgent operations, funding further activities such as improved training, recruitment, and logistical support. This vicious cycle of funding and reinvestment allows insurgent groups to become more resilient and adaptive.
ix. Escalation of Violence: – As insurgents become better armed, they may escalate their tactics to include more aggressive assaults, suicide bombings, or guerrilla warfare. This increase in violent tactics raises the stakes for communities and complicates the situation for security forces tasked with maintaining order.
To be concluded tomorrow
