A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF INSECURITY THREATS ON INTERNAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA 2015-2023

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Since 2015, Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has faced numerous security issues that have seriously threatened both its internal and regional security. Attacks by terrorists, banditry, kidnapping, and ethnic disputes have hampered the nation's capacity to develop economically, maintain political stability, and maintain social cohesiveness. The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group of Boko Haram, and their ongoing insurgency have been among the most prominent threats throughout this time. These gangs have carried out multiple attacks in Nigeria's northeast, displacing millions of people, taking a large toll in deaths, and causing extensive property damage. Although military operations and deradicalization initiatives have been used by the government to counter these rebels, the insurgency nevertheless poses a serious threat to national security (International Crisis Group, 2019). 

There has also been an increase in banditry and kidnapping, especially in the central and northwest areas. Armed robbers have frightened rural areas by kidnapping large numbers of people for ransom and igniting a generalized dread and unrest (Lenshie, etal 2024). The security forces in Nigeria have been put under tremendous strain by these illegal activities, which have also had a disastrous impact on local economies and the standard of living for millions of Nigerians. Nigeria is a hub for rising Gulf of Guinea piracy, which is frequently linked to armed organizations in the Niger Delta (Williams, 2016). Additionally, secessionist movements have gotten more intense, particularly in Nigeria's southeast. Conflicts with the Nigerian government have resulted from the independence demands of groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) (Magnus & Ngwu, (2023). These movements have affected regional security more broadly and have added to the atmosphere of political instability. Nigeria's economy has been negatively harmed by insecurity. Due to farmer violence and displacement, agricultural productivity has decreased, which has increased food insecurity. Furthermore, the precarious security environment has discouraged foreign investment, impeding economic development and progress.

Nigeria has struggled with several types of insecurity, including kidnappings, communal disputes, and farmer-herder conflicts, in addition to the threat posed by Boko Haram. Climate change, conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups, and the spread of small and light weaponry have all contributed to the worsening of these problems. Some have criticized the government's handling of these issues as being overbearing and ineffectual, which has exacerbated animosity within the impacted groups. These security risks have had far-reaching effects for Nigeria as well as the larger regional environment. Internally, the unrest has hampered social services, hampered economic growth, and reduced public confidence in the government's ability to maintain security. Nigeria's security issues have affected its relationships with neighboring nations on a regional scale because of the facilitation of cross-border illicit trade and armed group movement brought about by the instability. Thousands of people have fled to neighboring countries as a result of the violence, creating a serious refugee problem. This has put a significant strain on the resources of these nations and produced humanitarian issues that need for outside help (de Montclos, 2020).

Nigeria's security challenges are diverse, necessitating creative, integrated responses that are tailored to each situation. These solutions should include social development, job creation, citizen participation, government service accessibility, and easily accessible legal processes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how these insecurity concerns may affect Nigeria's internal and regional security from 2015 to 2023. The study aims to provide a fuller knowledge of the intricate dynamics at play and to inspire policy measures that could improve Nigeria's security and stability by examining the nature, causes, and effects of these security concerns.

1.2 Background of the Study 

Insecurity has been a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, profoundly affecting both internal stability and regional security. From 2015 to 2023, the country faced a multitude of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The security environment in Nigeria has been influenced by a number of entities and circumstances, among them being Boko Haram and its affiliate organization, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). By 2015, the early 2010s terrorist groups' ascent had resulted in a serious humanitarian and security catastrophe. Furthermore, the increase of armed bandits and intercommoned conflicts made the situation more unstable and made it harder for the Nigerian government to keep the peace and safeguard its people.

Since 2015, Nigeria, has faced many security issues that have posed serious risks to both its internal and regional security. Threats to the nation's security have included kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and ethnic strife, among other violent crimes. Nigeria's political stability, social cohesion, and economic growth have all been hampered by these security issues, which also have significant ramifications for regional and global security (Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2021). Nigeria has seen a sharp rise in kidnapping and banditry in addition to terrorism, especially in the northwest and central areas. Targeting rural communities, armed groups have abducted large numbers of people and demanded ransoms; this has put a load on the nation's security forces in addition to frightening the local populace (Lenshie, etal, 2024). An atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has resulted from the widespread insecurity in these places, which has also interfered with agricultural activity and made poverty worse.

Nigeria's security environment has become even more complex due to ethnic and religious strife. Violent conflicts between farmers and herders have occurred throughout the Middle Belt region in particular. These conflicts have been sparked by political manipulation, historical grievances, and rivalry for resources and land. The region has become even more unstable as a result of the countless casualties, significant property destruction, and widespread displacement caused by these battles (Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2021). With a focus on the underlying reasons, outward manifestations, and wider consequences for both internal and regional security, this study attempts to investigate the intricate nature of insecurity in Nigeria between 2015 and 2023. Through the examination of these processes, the research aims to enhance comprehension of Nigeria's predicaments and provide guidance for countermeasures against these security risks, ultimately fostering stability and progress in Nigeria and the broader West African area.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The following goals are intended to be accomplished by the study on the effects of insecurity risks on Nigeria's internal and regional security from 2015 to 2023:

Determine and evaluate the different forms of insecurity that Nigeria faces, such as banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and ethnic conflicts. 

Analyze the origins and effects of security threats on Nigeria's internal and regional security. 

Evaluate the Nigerian government's reactions to challenges of national security, encompassing military actions, peace initiatives, and programs aimed at economic development.

Evaluate how well the Nigerian government has handled challenges to national security. 

1.4 Research Questions 

What are the different forms of insecurity that Nigeria faces?

What is the origin and effect of security threats on Nigeria's internal and regional security?

How effective are the military actions, peace initiatives, and economic development plans that the Nigerian government is implementing in response to threats to national security? 

How well has the Nigerian government handled challenges to national security? 

1.5 Significance Of The Study 

The study's conclusions will have an impact on both regional and global security, emphasizing the necessity of teamwork and cooperation in order to counter challenges to transnational security. This study is significant because it evaluates the different forms of insecurity facing Nigeria which include the ethnic rivalry, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, activism and more. The study goes further to analyze the origins of security threats and how they affect internals and regional security in Nigeria. The will serve as an evaluation of government reactions these challenges of national security. This encompasses military actions, peace initiatives and economic revitalization strides. The study also has an evaluation of how government has been able to handle challenges of national security.

The study's conclusions can be used by humanitarian groups to gain a better understanding of the socioeconomic effects of insecurity on impacted populations. This knowledge can be used to create interventions and aid programs that support displaced people and communities affected by violence and instability more successfully. The study will contribute to the field's progress and advance our understanding of security concerns by offering a foundation for future security studies research.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

The North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of Nigeria which have been most impacted by insecurity threats will receive special attention in this study. Notwithstanding, the study spans across Nigeria including the Southern part which has also been victims of militancy, and secessionist movements. The study's coverage of the years 2015–2023 will provide an examination of the security environment under Muhammadu Buhari's administration. 

The study looks into a variety of insecurity issues, such as secessionist movements, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and conflicts involving different ethnic and religious groups. Every kind of threat is examined in terms of its origins, expressions, and effects. as well as an investigation of the environmental, historical, political, and socioeconomic elements influencing the emergence and continuation of security risks in Nigeria.

1.7 Limitations Of The Study 

Despite the study's goal of thorough coverage, there are a few constraints that could influence how results are interpreted. These include possible biases in the data that is currently accessible, the dynamic nature of security threats, and the changing political and security scene. Additionally, funding limitations limited the researcher's ability to cover some ground. All in all, the researcher extends his reach to guarantee a high-caliber research product.

1.8 Research Methodology 

The research methodology employed a thorough and methodical approach to guarantee dependable and solid results. The research design for the study is mixed-methods, integrating historical and qualitative techniques. This design makes it possible to analyze security threats and their ramifications holistically due to their complexity and variety. In-depth evaluation of specific insecurity threats, like banditry and Boko Haram, to understand their impact on internal and regional security; a thorough review of the body of existing literature on security studies, including academic articles, books, and reports from reputable sources.

1.9 Definition Of Terms

Insecurity: The absence of security is the best way to conceptualize insecurity. When one understands security, insecurity does not imply a lack of protection or a harm to people or property. 

Threat: This is an indication of insecurity or an assertion of purpose. 

Unique and consistent patterns of security interaction amongst people living in a region are known as regional security.