NIGERIA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONAL SECURITY: NORTHCENTRAL IN PERSPECTIVE

Globally, kidnapping is one of the most common organised crimes that impacts negatively on security. Nigeria has witnessed an overwhelming increase of kidnapping involving every level of the society and motivated by many reasons such as financial or political purposes. This menace portends serious negative consequences to the nation particularly in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone hence necessitating the study titled “Kidnapping and Nigeria's National Security: North-Central in Perspective” which seeks ways to address the issue of kidnapping for enhanced National Security (NS) in Nigeria.The study was mainly a descriptive research which utilized both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources using field survey method and document analysis. Results were presented with the aid of Charts, Tables, Figures, Annexes and Enclosures following thorough analysis of data using statistical methods and logical reasoning based on facts. The study established an inverse relationship between kidnapping and NS. It also revealed that unemployment, poverty as well as weak law enforcement and security system were major contributing factors to kidnapping. Other factors include moral decadence and easy access to small arms and light weapons.Kidnapping was revealed to have grave effects on human security and economic activities thereby undermining NS. Certain factors hindering the effectiveness of existing measures emplaced to curb kidnapping were identied. These include socio-economic deprivations, poor criminal justice system, porosity of borders as well as lack of cooperation and intelligence sharing among agencies. The prospects for curbing kidnapping in Nigeria for enhanced NS suggested include capital punishment, community policing, establishment of a welfare system and amendment of antiterrorism act. The strategies preferred include reformation of criminal justice system, establishment of Integrated Border Management System and provision of employment, enhancing inter-agency liaison and moral re-orientation. The study therefore recommended that Federal Ministry of Justice could commence implementation plan for reformation of criminal justice, Federal Ministry of Interior could commence installation of Integrated Border Management System and Federal Government of Nigeria through Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Ministry of Labour could create jobs and skill acquisition centres. Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Office of National Security Advicer could initiate modalities for inter-agency synergy. Finally, the Federal Government of Nigeria through National Orientation Agency could organize national moral re-orientation campaigns and awareness programs.

Open Full Text (PDF)