By Amb. Prof. Sir, Edwin Igoche, A Professor of Peace Conflict and International Jurisprudence
INSECURITY has become a pervasive issue globally, threatening peace, stability and development. Nigeria, African’s most popular nation, is grappling with an unprecedented wave of different but overlapping security crises affecting millions of lives. This article delves into the root causes, consequences, and urgent need for collective action to mitigate these tides. The global insecurity landscape has created crisis ranges from;
Terrorism: Al-Qaeda, ISIS and its affiliated spread fears worldwide, exploiting vulnerabilities and fueling extremism. Cybercrime: Online threats compromise personal and national security, with hackers targeting critical infrastructure.
Political Instability: Conflicts and regime changes fuel insecurity, creating power vacuums and opportunities for criminality. Economic Inequality: Disparities drive social unrest and violence, as marginalized communities demand justice, fairness and opportunities.
The Nigeria’s insecurity crises have worsened, with the following threat been acknowledge as follows;
Boko Haram Insurgency: This terrorist terrorizing the Northeast since 2009, with attacks on civilians, schools and military targets. Bandit and Kidnapping: Rampant cases of bandit and kidnapping in the Northeast and Northcentral, with armed gangs targeting travelers and communities.
Herder-Farmer Conflicts: Deadly clashes over resources, land, and identity, exacerbated by climate change and demographic pressures.
Cultism and Gang Violence: Widespread in urban centers, with rival groups engaging in hurt wars and violent initiation rites. A research case study of statistical data from 2020 to 2022 on insecurity in Nigeria has shown the following;
TERRORISM: About 3,442 terrorist attack in Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. (source; Global Terrorism Database). Boko Haram responsible for 75% of attacks, followed by ISWAP (20%) and Ansan (5%). (Source; Nigeria security tracker).
BANDITRY AND KIDNAPPING: About 3,154 reported cases of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. (Source; Nigeria Police Force). 55% of the cases occurred in the Northwest region, followed by 25% in Northcentral and 15% in Northeast. (Source; Nigeria security tracker)
HERDER-FARMER CONFLICTS: 1,421 reported cases of herder-farmer conflict in Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. (Source; Nigeria security tracker). 65% of cases occurs in the Northcentral region, followed by Northwest (20%) and Southwest (10%). (Source; Nigeria security tracker).
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory is not left out as follows; 201 reported cases of insecurity in Abuja between 2020 and 2022 including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. (Source; Nigeria Police Force). 60% of cases occurred in the city center followed by satellite town (25%) and outskirts (15%). (Source; Nigeria security tracker).
The case study of the current insecurity situation in Nigeria, with a focus on recent development up to 2024, calls for serious concern:
Kidnapping and Banditry: Kidnapping for ransom has been the order of the day and a booming industry in Nigeria with over 1,680 students abducted since 2014.
The recent surge in mass abduction has been linked to worsening economic condition and a lack of effective security response. Terrorism: Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic state’s West Africa province, continue to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s security, particularly in the Northwest region.
Farmer-Herder Conflicts: Dispute between nomadic herders and farmers have escalated, exacerbated by climate change and competition for resources.
Separatist Insurgency: The indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) separatist movement remain active, with a significant presence in the southeast region.
Oil Militancy: Militant groups in the Niger Delta region continue to pose a security challenge, with demand for greater resource control and environment remediation.
Address Root causes of Insecurity: The government should address the root causes of insecurity including issues of governance and corruption. Focus on safety and welfare of the people, rather than just using military force.
Return to true Federalism: There should be immediate return to true federalism, strict adherence to the rule of law, vigorous enforcement of financial crimes laws and the enactment of more efficacious laws such as the unexplained wealth orders.
Redress Past and Present Wrongs: Government should redress obvious past and present wrongs and placing merit over mediocrity. Intensify Combat Operation: Government to intensify combat operations, particularly in volatile regions to liberate Nigeria from the relentless waves of violence.
Promote Non-Violence: The United Nations General Assembly designated October 2 annually as International Day of Non-violence, promoting awareness about the pervasive issue of violence and insecurity within the societies. In conclusion, the wave of insecurity demands collective attention and actions.
Nigeria’s crises serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for holistic solutions, addressing both symptoms and root causes. By protecting farmers, strengthening IGR and promoting inclusive governance, we can build a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria for all, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
“Together, we can make a difference and create a safer, more secure Nigeria for all” (a call to action for collective responsibility and collaboration is now!)
AMB., [PROF] SIR EDWIN IGOCHE, Psc, EPA, JP, MP, FMIMPS, DFAI, FIAWPA, FHNR, FAIT, FJW, KJW, CMP, CPA, LL.B, LL.M, LL.D, Ph.D