IMPACTS OF NON-MILITARY THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examined the impacts of non-military threats as a cause to national insecurity in Nigeria. It also studied the nexus between national security and human security with a critique on the realist conceptualisation of security. Using the doctrinal approach hinged on exposition and analysis, the findings of the paper indicated that the core attributes and responsibilities of the state system such as territoriality, maintenance of law and order and the protection of lives and property are being challenged by numerous non-military threats in Nigeria. The preponderance and ubiquity of these non-military military threats such as poverty, hunger, drug trafficking, kidnapping, environmental degradation, immigration and arms smuggling is eroding the national security landscape of Nigeria. Thus, the paper recommended among other things, improving education and promoting good governance; confronting the scourge of HIV/AIDs and other endemic diseases through the provision of free and adequate health facilities. The paper also drew attention to the imperativeness of security sector reforms in Nigeria.