Introduction
Insecurity has become one of the most persistent challenges thought-provoking Nigeria in the 21st century. From insurgency in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, farmer–herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, secessionist agitations in the South-East, oil militancy in the Niger Delta, and widespread kidnapping across the country, Nigeria’s security landscape is deeply troubled. While economic, social, and religious factors contribute to this crisis, political causes remain central. Weak governance structures, elite manipulation of identity, corruption, electoral malpractice, and state fragility have all played significant roles in fueling insecurity.
Insecurity refers to a state of being unsafe, uncertain, or not adequately protected from danger, harm, or loss. It can apply to individuals, communities, or entire nations.
Insecurity in Nigeria: Political Causes and Consequences:
Political Causes of Insecurity in Nigeria:
Weak Governance and State Failure
A primary political cause of insecurity in Nigeria is weak governance. The state is expected to provide security and welfare for its citizens, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” However, successive governments have struggled to fulfill this responsibility effectively.
Corruption and Mismanagement of Public Resources
Corruption is deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political system and has significantly contributed to insecurity. Funds allocated for defense and security operations are often misappropriated. Scandals involving the diversion of billions of naira meant for arms procurement have weakened the military’s capacity to combat insurgency and terrorism effectively.
Corruption also exacerbates poverty and unemployment, which in turn create fertile ground for recruitment into criminal and extremist groups. When political leaders prioritize personal enrichment over public service, citizens lose trust in the state, leading to frustration, alienation, and in some cases, violent resistance.
Electoral Violence and Political Thuggery
Nigeria’s electoral process has historically been marred by violence, rigging, and intimidation. Politicians often sponsor armed youth groups or militias to secure electoral advantage. After elections, these armed groups are frequently abandoned without reintegration or disarmament, and they turn to criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry.
Ethnic and Religious Politicization
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state. While diversity should be a strength, political elites often manipulate ethnic and religious identities for electoral gain. The “divide and rule” strategy fosters mistrust and competition among groups.
Marginalization and Perceived Injustice
Perceptions of political exclusion and marginalization have fueled various forms of agitation and violence. In the Niger Delta, grievances over environmental degradation and lack of development led to militancy. In the South-East, feelings of political marginalization have fueled separatist movements. Similarly, northern Nigeria has witnessed insurgency partly rooted in disillusionment with governance and inequality.
Weak Security Institutions
Nigeria’s security institutions face challenges including inadequate funding, poor training, lack of modern equipment, and low morale. Political interference in security operations often undermines professionalism. Security agencies are sometimes accused of human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and corruption, which erode public trust.
Proliferation of Small Arms and Porous Borders
Political instability in neighboring countries, combined with weak border control, has led to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Political actors sometimes arm local groups during conflicts, further increasing weapon circulation. These arms later fall into criminal hands, sustaining cycles of violence.
Consequences of Insecurity in Nigeria
Threat to National Unity
Insecurity undermines national cohesion. Persistent violence fosters distrust among ethnic and religious groups. Secessionist movements and regional self-defense groups have emerged, reflecting declining confidence in the federal government’s capacity to guarantee security. If left unchecked, insecurity could threaten Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Economic Decline and Investment Loss
Insecurity discourages both local and foreign investment. Businesses relocate from high-risk areas, agricultural activities decline due to fear of attacks, and infrastructure is destroyed. The North-East insurgency, for instance, devastated local economies, displaced millions, and disrupted education and commerce.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
Violence has resulted in millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Communities are destroyed, families separated, and access to education and healthcare disrupted. The humanitarian burden strains government resources and international aid agencies.
Erosion of Democratic Governance
Insecurity can justify the expansion of executive power and militarization of civil spaces. Prolonged deployment of military forces for internal security blurs the line between civil authority and military operations. Civil liberties may be curtailed in the name of national security.
Brain Drain and Social Fragmentation
Persistent insecurity encourages skilled professionals to emigrate in search of safer environments. This brain drain deprives Nigeria of critical human capital needed for development. Additionally, fear and mistrust weaken social bonds, leading to fragmented communities.
Rise of Vigilantism and Non-State Armed Groups
In response to state failure, communities form vigilante groups for self-defense. While they may provide short-term security, they sometimes operate outside legal frameworks and contribute to further violence. The multiplication of armed actors complicates conflict resolution and weakens state authority.
Conclusion
Insecurity in Nigeria is a complex, multi-faceted crisis driven by a combination of weak governance, economic desperation, and political manipulation, resulting in severe human, economic, and social consequences. Key political drivers include systemic corruption, political marginalization, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious divides by political elites.
READ: Insecurity: A Silent Threat to National Growth