It is no longer news that Nigeria is facing a lot of restlessness as a result of insurgency and kidnapping for some years now. It has reached a crisis point that many Nigerians are afraid to travel or move from one location to another!!
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced persistent challenges related to kidnapping and insurgency, particularly in the northeastern region of the country.
These issues have escalated over the past two decades and have profound implications for national security, economic stability, and societal cohesion.
Despite various government efforts to combat these problems, curbing kidnapping and insurgency remains a formidable challenge owing to a combination of historical, socio-political, economic, and regional factors.
This piece explores the primary reasons why tackling these complex issues has proven difficult in Nigeria.
1. Historical and Political Context
Nigeria’s historical context plays a significant role in the rise of insurgency and kidnapping. The country has a legacy of political instability, ethnic tensions, and corruption that have destabilized governance structures.
The root causes of insurgency often lie in marginalization and perceived injustices among various ethnic and religious groups. Groups such as Boko Haram and, more recently, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have exploited grievances related to poverty, education, and political exclusion to recruit and radicalize individuals.
Additionally, a lack of effective governance and accountability has led to a climate of impunity, where criminal activities—including kidnapping for ransom— thrive without fear of significant repercussions. This erosion of trust in state institutions has made it difficult to build an effective response to insurgency and criminality.
2. Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education or acculturation of not willing to go for formal schooling are significant contributors to the rise of criminal activities in Nigeria.
Many individuals in marginalized communities are drawn to kidnapping and insurgency as a means of survival or economic gain. The high levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth, create a fertile ground for recruitment into insurgent groups or criminal enterprises.
Rural communities, especially in the northern part of Nigeria, often lack basic infrastructure and social services. This neglect fosters resentment and facilitates the radicalization of individuals dissatisfied with the government’s inability to provide security and economic opportunities.
The cycle of poverty and violence becomes self-perpetuating, making it challenging for authorities to implement long-term solutions.
3. Weak Security Apparatus
Despite efforts to combat insecurity, Nigeria’s security forces have faced criticism regarding their effectiveness, coordination, and capacity to address the complexities of insurgency and kidnapping. Issues such as insufficient training, inadequate funding, and corruption within the security apparatus impede operational efficiency. Moreover, the military responses to insurgent groups often lack a comprehensive strategy that integrates intelligence gathering, community engagement, and socio-economic development initiatives. Although things are getting better than before as a lot of locals supply intelligence information that is helping the military in their operations.
Additionally, the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders allows for the easy movement of arms and insurgents, complicating security efforts. The lack of a collaborative approach among various security agencies has hindered timely and effective responses to threats, leading to the perception of heightened vulnerability among the population.
4. Community Dynamics and Local Support
Insurgents and kidnappers often establish connections with local communities, gaining support through the provision of services or exploiting grievances against the state.
In some instances, compromised local leaders may collude with kidnappers, creating a culture of silence that inhibits cooperation with law enforcement.
Moreover, communities may resort to vigilante justice or self-defence measures in response to perceived state failure, which can further complicate security dynamics and lead to cycles of retaliatory violence. Building trust between communities and security forces is crucial for effective information-sharing and collective action against insurgents and criminals.
5. Regional Dimensions
The regional dynamics of West Africa also contribute to Nigeria’s struggles with kidnapping and insurgency.
The active presence of transnational criminal networks and extremist groups has created a complex security landscape that extends beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have also faced challenges related to Boko Haram and other extremist organizations, leading to a regional security crisis.
The lack of effective international collaboration and intelligence-sharing among West African nations hampers coordinated efforts to combat these transnational threats.
Addressing the regional dimensions of insecurity requires collective regional strategies and frameworks that promote stability and cooperation.
Conclusion
In summary, the difficulty in curbing kidnapping and insurgency in Nigeria results from a confluence of historical, socio-economic, and political factors, compounded by a range of institutional weaknesses and regional dynamics. Addressing these complex issues necessitates a multifaceted approach that not only involves strengthening security measures but also prioritizes socio-economic development, community engagement, and good governance.
For Nigeria to find lasting solutions to these challenges, there must be a commitment to addressing the underlying grievances that fuel insurgency and criminal activity, fostering trust between the government and its citizens, and enhancing collaboration at local, national, and regional levels. Only through such comprehensive efforts can Nigeria hope to reclaim stability and security for its citizenry.
By-Idowu Akintunde
Editor-In- Chief
The Interviews Nigeria