In recent times, insecurity has become an increasingly menacing challenge in Nigeria. Almost every other day, reports of kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks dominate the news; this magnitude was not heard of in Nigeria history. This disturbing trend highlights the glaring weaknesses in the country’s security infrastructure, which has struggled to contain these growing threats. The rise of kidnapping, particularly for ransom, is a significant indicator of how deeply the problem has permeated society.
The failure to curb these incidents is not simply due to a lack of resources but rather reflects a deeper issue of governance. As a nation with one of the largest military forces in Africa and a police force with a broad mandate, Nigeria possesses the capability to address insecurity effectively. However, the persistence of insecurity suggests that the issue is more complex. Governance failures, corruption, and vested interests at various levels of government contribute significantly to the problem.
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Ransom Economy and Corruption
Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative industry in Nigeria. Criminal groups, from the Niger Delta militants to bandits in the north, have found the collection of ransom to be a reliable source of income. This phenomenon points to a breakdown in the rule of law, where law enforcement agencies either lack the capacity or the will to tackle criminal syndicates. Corruption within the security sector also overwhelms the situation, as some individuals within the system have been accused of benefitting from the ransom economy, turning a blind eye or even collaborating with criminals.
For instance, the case of the Chibok girls’ kidnapping in 2014, which shocked the global community, brought Nigeria’s security weaknesses to the fore. Despite international outcry and offers of assistance from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the response was slow and ineffective. Similarly, the abduction of schoolchildren in Kankara in 2020, and other such incidents, reveals that while kidnapping remains rampant, swift, and adequate government action is often missing.
Weak Judicial Systems and Impunity
Insecurity thrives when the judicial system is weak and when punishment for criminal activities is either slow or non-existent. When judgement is delayed or when culprits are not held accountable, a culture of impunity develops, encouraging criminal activity to flourish. Nigeria’s judiciary has been criticised for its slow processes, corruption, and political interference, which has hampered its ability to deliver swift justice. The inefficiency of the judicial system is one of the key factors fuelling insecurity, as many offenders are either never prosecuted or manage to evade justice.
Internal Divisions and International Interference
Insecurity is not only a reflection of internal governance issues but also of deeper socio-political divisions. Ethnic, religious, and regional tensions have plagued Nigeria for decades, creating fertile ground for violence and insurgency. Groups such as Boko Haram, which emerged in the north, have exploited these divisions, gaining support from disenfranchised and marginalised communities. Furthermore, external actors have found ways to exacerbate these tensions, often fuelling insecurity through arms supplies or by taking advantage of the country’s political instability.
For example, Libya’s collapse in 2011 and the proliferation of arms from the country into Nigeria has worsened insecurity. Additionally, the influx of foreign fighters into Boko Haram has shown how international actors, directly or indirectly, influence Nigeria’s internal security problems. However, this international influence would not be as pronounced if there were no internal divisions or weak governance structures allowing such interference.
Lessons from Global Communities
Nigeria is not the only country to have faced issues of insecurity linked to governance failures. Several other nations, including Mexico and South Africa, offer valuable lessons in how insecurity can be mitigated through effective governance.
In Mexico, organised crime and drug cartels posed a severe security challenge. However, through a combination of decentralised governance, improved law enforcement collaboration, and community involvement, certain regions managed to reduce crime rates. This suggests that empowering local governments and communities is key to dealing with insecurity, something Nigeria could emulate by decentralising its security apparatus and providing local authorities with the necessary tools and autonomy to combat crime effectively.
South Africa, too, has battled widespread crime, particularly in the post-apartheid era. The introduction of community policing and improved transparency in governance helped reduce violence in some areas. This highlights the importance of engaging local populations in security efforts and fostering trust between the community and law enforcement.
The Need for Decentralisation in Nigeria
A centralised approach to governance has proven ineffective in dealing with Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges. Nigeria’s federal government is overburdened with responsibilities that would be better managed at the local level. Decentralising power, particularly with regards to security, would enable local governments to respond more effectively to the unique challenges they face. States and local governments understand their own environments better than a distant central government, and decentralising power could help mobilise security resources more efficiently.
Furthermore, decentralisation could empower state governments to develop tailored solutions to the specific forms of insecurity they face. For example, the southern states could focus more on combating kidnapping and militancy in the Niger Delta, while the northern states could prioritise tackling Boko Haram insurgency and banditry.
Insecurity in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with governance failures. Corruption, judicial inefficiency, and over-centralisation have created an environment where criminal activities can thrive. The rise in kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity is not merely a security issue but a reflection of the deeper structural problems in the way Nigeria is governed. Learning from global examples and decentralising governance could offer a path forward. A strong focus on local governance, community engagement, and judicial reform is essential if Nigeria is to tackle its security challenges and restore peace and prosperity.