Exploring Insurgency and its Implication on Nigeria’s National Security

Abstract

The study explored the concept of insurgency and its impact on Nigeria’s national security, arguing that the country faces multiple forms of insurgency that present complex and diverse security challenges. It emphasized that insurgency in Nigeria is not a single, uniform issue but a complicated mix of different groups, each with distinct motivations and goals. Within this framework, the study analyzed the connection between insurgency and national security by focusing on identifiable factors such as Boko Haram, militancy in the Niger Delta, herder-farmer conflicts, and banditry. The Human Security theory was applied to frame the discussion, as it underscores that insurgencies in Nigeria often stem not only from ideological extremism but also from fundamental human insecurities like poverty, economic hardship, governance failures, and environmental concerns. The findings indicated that although Nigeria has employed a multi-pronged approach combining military action, humanitarian assistance, and development programs persistent issues such as poverty, corruption, ineffective governance, and the changing nature of insurgent threats continue to hinder progress, allowing insurgencies to endure. The study recommended a strategic shift away from a mainly reactive and military-focused response toward a proactive and comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes fueling insurgency, while also enhancing security measures through better intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and building trust within communities.