By Hafez O. Yesufu
Insecurity in Nigeria is a pervasive and intricate issue marked by unrest, hostility, and chaos. As defined by Achumba, Ighomereho & Akpor-Robaro (2013), it represents the absence of security, characterized by danger, doubt, fear, and instability, resulting in increased exposure to harm, loss of humanness, and destruction of property.
The first notable terrorist attack in Nigeria occurred in June 2001, and subsequent incidents, by the Boko Haram group, led to the U.S. State Department designating Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in November 2013. This marked the onset of a downward spiral in the country’s security situation.
The multifaceted nature of insecurity in Nigeria aligns with the concept of a “wicked problem,” a term coined by Professor Horst Rittel. It denotes a complex issue lacking a definitive stopping rule, no true set number of potential solutions, and arising from a unique set of diverse issues.
Violent and insurgent acts afflict virtually all parts of the country. Whether it’s the Boko Haram terrorist group bombing and kidnapping in the North East, Fulani Herdsmen attacking farmers in the East, Middle belt, and West, or Bandits kidnapping and assassinating citizens, each region faces distinct challenges. Additionally, groups like the Niger-Delta Avengers and the former Niger Delta Militant group contribute to the insecurity, engaging in activities such as kidnapping foreigners and bombing oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region. The situation is further exacerbated by unregulated extra-judicial killings of civilians.
This intricate web of challenges highlights the urgency of addressing insecurity in Nigeria comprehensively.
Current Insecurity Scenario: Nigeria experienced a surge in abductions and killings in December 2023, revealing alarming figures from the Nigeria Mourns website: 2,423 killed, 1,872 abducted in the last 10 months. From rural villages to urban centers, highways to homes.
WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS) recorded in the month of January 2024, a total of 632 kidnapped victims, out of which 96 were females, 72 children and 3 police operatives. The report further recorded over 107 incidents of arrests related to terrorism, armed banditry, fraud, armed robbery, arms trafficking, fraud/cybercrime, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), armed violence, human/drug trafficking, and arms smuggling, amongst other crimes and social vices recorded with in the same month of January 2024.
Nigerians now grapple with the harsh reality that at any moment, they or their loved ones could become victims. Security, as defined by the International Security Management and Knowledge Archive (ISMKA), encompasses stability, livelihood continuity, daily life predictability, crime protection, and freedom from psychological harm. It is important to note that security is not just the absence of threats but the ability to navigate and respond to challenges adeptly. Security is a shared responsibility, extending beyond law enforcement to encompass every individual’s commitment to safeguarding themselves, loved ones, and properties.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, the psychological mindset of the citizens further contributes to the complexity of the insecurity issue within the country. Most notably, there is an overdependence on the already strained security personnel and policies, a relentless pursue of one’s livelihood regardless of associated risks, a mindset of ‘if it does not affect me directly, then it is not my concern,’ a belief in the supernatural and religion as a safeguard, and a lack of awareness about safeguarding personal safety and security.
These psychological factors result in individuals willingly engaging in high-risk situations, displaying a low bystander intervention rate, showing disinterest in community security, and adopting a nonchalant attitude toward their personal safety and security. Personal security is vital.
Economic Impact and Human Rights Concerns: Insecurity exerts a heavy toll on Nigeria’s economy and human rights. Affecting investor confidence and repelling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which has led to the withdrawal of companies such as Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, and Equinox from the country and the huge out flux of skilled citizens to other countries dubbed as “Japa”. According to the WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS), the projected food insecurity in Nigeria for 2024 is alarming, with approximately 26.5 million people at risk due to factors such as rising inflation, recurrent armed violence, and climate change. The increasing inflation contributes to the rising poverty rate, estimated at 104 million people (46% below the national poverty line in 2023), posing a substantial security threat. This escalating poverty rate drives citizens towards illicit alternatives to sustain their livelihoods, negatively impacting the overall human security situation.
Moreover, the humanistic crisis and human rights violations resulting from the unchecked growth of insecurity in Nigeria are profound. Families’ hopes are shattered, parents are separated from their children, under-aged girls are kidnapped in large numbers and forced into marriage, and people are abducted and executed in the most gruesome manner. Insecurity constitutes a severe violation of the right to life in Nigeria, a foundation upon which all other rights are built, as outlined in Section 33(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that “every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria” (Nigeria Constitution, 1999).
The Need for a Paradigm Shift: Despite commendable campaigns and policies, insecurity remains largely unabated due to high corruption, the complacency nature of most citizens, and poverty levels. The escalating threats underscore the urgency for decisive action. Widespread personal security training is crucial, providing citizens with tools to navigate heightened risks in an environment where traditional security measures are strained.
Structured Awareness Campaigns: Initiate well-structured awareness campaigns to educate citizens on recognizing signs of potential danger, fostering a culture of awareness and empowerment.
Self-Defense Training: Implement self-defense training programs, predominantly for women, to build confidence and resilience, acting as a deterrent and providing practical skills for personal safety.
Community Vigilance: Establish community-based initiatives focusing on safety and security. Conduct awareness training programs, understand the mindsets of perpetrators, and distribute information through flyers to foster vigilance and solidarity.
Technological Solutions: Leverage technology for safety, including mobile applications with panic buttons, real-time location tracking, and integration with emergency services to provide swift assistance during critical situations.
First-Aid Knowledge and Skills: Incorporate first-aid knowledge into personal safety measures, training individuals to provide immediate assistance in the aftermath of incidents and contributing to a comprehensive approach to personal safety.
Risk/Crisis Management Strategies: Develop and disseminate risk management strategies, creating personalized safety plans and understanding effective responses in high-stress scenarios.
In conclusion, achieving security in Nigeria requires a transformative paradigm shift. The government, facing challenges such as insufficient funds, inadequate equipment, and a shortage of manpower, coupled with corruption issues, struggles to provide effective security. Despite the campaigns of NGOs and CSOs advocating policy implementations like the Child Rights’ Act (CRA) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, along with appeals for improved living standards and good governance, there is still a long way to go in realizing the desired impact of these programs.
However, the path to a safer nation lies in a proactive approach to personal security. The right to life serves as the foundation upon which every other human right is built. By empowering individuals with specific skills, knowledge, and fostering a collective commitment to safety, we can pave the way for a more secure and empowered society. This involves not only acknowledging the challenges but also actively seeking and implementing solutions, contributing to the overall improvement of the security landscape in Nigeria.
Hafez O. Yesufu is a member of the Guild of Security Industry Professionals (GSIP), United Kingdom, and a Senior IT Consultant.
