Nigeria current security challenges are complex and multifaceted, several factors have contributed to the rise of kidnapping, insurgency and community invasions in the country among them are sudden occurrence of Boko Haram activities in the North eastern Nigeria.
This started in 2009, it’s major drivers of Insecurity, spreading to other regions of the country.
Poverty and unemployment
Economic hardship and lack of opportunities make individuals vulnerable to recruitment by terrorists groups.
Corruption
Corruption has weakened institutions, allowing terrorists groups to thrive.
Porous Nigeria borders
Nigeria’s porous border enable the movement of illicit arms and terrorists into the country.
Ethnic and religion tensions
Historical tensions between communities have escalated into violence.
Climate change
Environmental degradation and resource competition have displaced communities, fuelling conflicts
Economic decline
Declining oil prices and economic instability have exacerbated poverty and unemployment.
Inadequate security measures
Inadequate security and poor governance have created opportunities for terrorists groups to thrive.
Proliferation of arms and ammunitions in the country
Illicit arms have flooded the country fueling conflicts.
Meanwhile, the current government of Nigeria has taken steps towards combating this menace especially in the North east of Nigeria by introducing a new counter terrorism doctrine focused on unified command, intelligence gathering, community stability and counter insurgency operations.
In the area of military operations, Troops have it intercepted logistics supplies , recovered vehicles and cash and uncovered improved explosive devices (IEDS) in Borno state.
Community engagement
Initiatives like operation safe corridor aim to integrate former low- threat supporters of terrorists organizations but their loyalty should be monitored.
International cooperation
Nigeria works with United States, the European Union and neighboring countries to combat terrorism.
The government had also launched initiatives like the safe schools projects to protect schools from attacks and kidnapping, however despite these efforts insecurity remains a major challenge with recent attacked on schools, churches and local communities.
This brings us to the next face of our discussions which is Rural communities in Nigeria are soft targets for insurgency operation.
What factors could be responsible ?
The imbalance in security allocation is stark to enable local Government councils to combat the menace
What measures should be taken to avert this menace ?
There could be short term , long-term measures and also addressing the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria
Shirt term measures
Community engagement
Collaborate with local leaders, youth groups and community organization to establish neighborhood watch programs.
Intelligence gathering
Encourage local to report suspicious activities.
Mobile security patrols
Deploy mobile security teams to patrol rural areas especially hotspots.
Need to set up community security whistleblowers as informants to state security forces and they will be compensated adequately.
Long terms measures
Establishment of local security posts
There is the need to set up police or security posts in rural areas to deter bandits
Community based security initiatives
The need to support community security projects like the vigilantes groups or community police
Economic empowerment
The need to implement poverty alleviations program to reduce vulnerability
The need to screen men of the security forces to ascertain individuals characters traits and level of loyalty to the Nigeria security forces
The local councils need support of state and federal government to combat insurgency groups through funding and logistics supports.
The need for local councils to partners with NGOs and international organizations for logistics and intelligence gathering.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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