Linking factors that fuel insecurity in Nigeria
Several factors can be linked to the growing insecurity-related cases, and appropriate attention could salvage the situation quickly.
The porosity of northern borders with other countries accounts for the massive influx of foreign terror-minded nationals from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad into Nigeria. Poor policing, dense vegetation, sparse population and weak immigration and custom concentration in those regions make surveillance and control difficult.
Indiscriminate movement of arms and weapons across these porous borders accounts for another significant challenge. Armed terrorists in Nigeria arguably boast of sufficient firepower and machinery to repel government forces in the fight against insurgency in the country, and this is a big problem.
Bad governance is another critical issue that determines the pulse of terrorism in Nigeria. Increased attacks expose the government’s weakness in tackling the problem at hand. Nowadays, insurgents, bandits and kidnappers seem bolder in their attacks, and their scale of operation often become more sophisticated while their ransom demands are outrageous.
Weak institutional capacity within the respective armed forces also contributes to the poor counter-terrorism strategies deployable by Nigeria’s uniformed troops. Many believe that terrorist organisations in the country are usually steps ahead of the military during combat.
Overburdened and overstretched security apparatus, coupled with the declining presence of the federal government, constitute another disadvantage in the fight to restore Nigeria’s security stamina. Armoured response to security threats is usually slow or weak. The military now doubles as police in 35 out of 36 states of the country, and this distorted formation allows terrorists to operate with little resistance.
While government forces seem weak at the battlefront, their presence seems stronger at the negotiating table. Granted funds, amnesty arrangements, prisoner-hostage switch, among other sketchy emoluments, further embolden these terror beings. These unsustainable, seeming way-outs usually worsen the situation, and unhonoured negotiations frequently lead to new attacks.
Decision over the ownership and control of essential mineral resource deposits around the Zamfara and Kastina border settlements also exacerbate existing tensions. The inflow of armed scavengers from nearby countries struggles with residents of these resource-rich areas for economic gains from extraction mineral resources. Since border controls and government presence around these areas are weak, attacks will continue to linger.
Politicising and benefiting from insurgency is a common belief held by many, as Nigerians observe how terrorism was used as a tool to oust former President Goodluck Jonathan from office in 2015. Therefore, terrorism now seems to be a tool used by unrelenting power mongers to achieve selfish political aims.
What should the government do to reverse this unfavourable trend?
Prioritising security in Nigeria is key to reversing this unhealthy trend in the nation. Millions of families have been displaced due to frequent attacks in the various states of the country, particularly the north. Many others have been killed.
Global Terrorist Index reports that 1,606 persons were killed in 125 fatal incidences in November 2020 alone. According to recent reports, Nigeria has been ranked the 3rd most terrorised country in the world.
These attacks have caused investments to dip, food shortage now looms, and prices have reached unbearable heights. Relief Web, an online data report, reveals that up to 5.1 million persons in Nigeria risk being critically food insecure between June and August 2021.
Tourism, education, and health have suffered much from consistent attacks, while rural poverty has increased significantly. The urban population has also expanded as rural survivors of the attacks migrate to urban settlements searching for more stable livelihoods.
In addition to appropriate spending and demanding accountability from service chiefs and other security stakeholders, the government must prioritise law enforcement solutions to dealing with the issue. If terrorists in all their shades and forms are aware of the retribution that awaits them if caught, they would have a re-think about their ill-fated plans.
Better border security is required to checkmate human and arms flow between Nigeria and her neighbouring countries. Greater joint task operations involving customs and immigration personnel, military and police officers should be considered.
Appropriate investment in human and infrastructural development is key to limiting the availability of individuals for crime-related purposes. Capital funding towards better education and healthcare, improved social and economic amenities, especially in the worst-hit regions, should be prioritised by the government.
A concerted, collaborative effort involving state and local government alongside known and established religious and traditional leaders should be built. This will ensure a community-based resilience against terror attacks in the future.
