Threat of Terrorism in Nigeria: Implications for National Security

Abstract

Terrorism is a major aspect of insecurity in any nation. In Nigeria, in spite of divided opinions as to the existence of the phenomenon, the study set out to assess its implications on the security of the nation. The compelling need of the study is informed by the increasing role of Nigeria in global affairs and the increasing prevalence of terrorism across the globe. To achieve the objectives of the study, an instrument for primary data collection was designed by the researcher with the aim of ascertaining the existence or otherwise of the phenomenon in the country. This is in addition to establishing the nature of the phenomenon, its implications on national security and how it can be mitigated. Data were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Findings show the existence of terrorism in the country and that it has manifested in many ways across the length and breadth of the nation; with injustice and bad governance being the causal factors. Findings also show the different government approaches to addressing the menace using both domestic and multilateral approaches. The study therefore concludes that terrorism is a major challenge to the stability and socio-economic development of the nation as well as to the security agencies and the citizenry. It accordingly recommends that government should take steps to diminish the underlying conditions that terrorists seek to exploit, such as poverty, deprivation, insecurity, unemployment, inequity, corruption, and disputes while fostering social, political and economic development. Government is also advised to sensitise the public on the dangers of domestic and international terrorism and other acts of terror in the country as well as the on the imperative to report suspicious movements of certain persons to appropriate authorities. All security and law enforcement agencies in the country are to live up to their responsibilities by protecting the nation against the menace of terrorism. And as terrorism is a global phenomenon, Nigeria should maximise the advantage of international cooperation and support to deal with the phenomenon without unduly compromising her national security interests.