SECURITY CHALLENGES: DANGER TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA – A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Security is desirable in all nations of the world, because it plays important roles in ensuring peace and development of a nation.The focus of this paper is to historicize the horrendous security challenges in Nigeria and the serious danger they pose to her peace and development.The paper contends that the maintenance of optimum security is one of the pivotal policies of the government of a country, whether developed or developing. Good security measures put in place by any government will enable it protect the lives and property of the citizens, as well as the territorial boundaries, sovereignty and integrity of its country.These will help the country to grow and develop economically, politically, socially and culturally. The paper notes however that in many developing countries of the world, especially in Nigeria, there has been an upsurge of security challenges in recent times. These range from acts of terrorism, banditry, notorious activities of herdsmen, armed militias or militancy, armed robbery, kidnapping, ethnic and religious conflicts, incessant activities of protesters and agitators, which are all serious threats to the security, peace, fragile unity and development of Nigeria. The spate of security challenges in the country currently is so alarming that the citizens live in perpetual fear, suspicion and the government is on edge due to want of adequate policies to curb this menace.