TERRORISM AND THE CHALLENGES OF INTERNAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the security system of the country was challenged by the rise of insurgency in different parts of the country, so much so that, there was the emergence of various militant groups in the Niger Delta region and Boko Haram in the North East Very recent also, there is the emergence of armed banditry with its attendant crimes (kidnapping, Fulani herdsmen attack) in the North West, South East and North Central regions. It is no doubt that, with all these internal security ambiences has been quite tense and volatile over the years. It was based on this background that, this study was carried out in order to examines the challenges of internal security facing Nigeria as it relate to the activities of the Boko Haram sect, armed banditry and Fulani herdsmen. Data for this study were generated from secondary sources such as textbooks, periodical and other materials relevant to the study. The findings revealed that terrorism is an ugly phenomenon, is a global threat. to the development of human civilization, because of its destruction, and the serial acts of terrorism are determined by the dominant consciousness of the ruling elites. The paper further contend that since the nation is immune from the menacing consequences of terrorists, the neglected and mismanagement of internal security, which is the based-line of a nation's defense by Nigeria government, makes the country vulnerable to attacks by the Boko Haram sect, armed banditry and Fulani herdsmen attacks. The paper therefore, concludes that rather than strengthening the coercive apparatuses of power and security, what is required are social justice and effective management of national resources and the need to curb corruption, thuggery, political, social and economic tensions in the country. When this is done, it will not only strengthen internal security management and depend, patriotism.