Social Inequalities and Conflicts among Security Operatives in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the greatest social challenges facing Nigeria, a nation popularly considered as the most populous nation of the continent of Africa is widespread violent conflicts and aggression. Violent conflict has not only become endemic in Nigeria, but has in recent times become the major defining characteristic of the giant of Africa. Virtually all the regions or geo-political zones of Nigeria have at various times suffered losses of human and material resources arising from violent group conflicts in recent times. (Albert, 2012). The spate of group violence in Nigeria has also negatively affected the development and growth of the nation, as both domestic and foreign investors are scared to invest in the ever promising economy. Cases of violence in Nigeria have become more worrisome as security agencies whose constitutional duty are to maintain law and order and secure the nation, are themselves caught in the web of violent conflicts. For instance, between the year 2000 and 2013, about ten officially reported cases of violent clashes involving security operatives occurred in various parts of the country. The clashes were mostly between the junior echelon of the two dominant security forces - the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police, with most of the clashes occurring in urban centers. The clashes have culminated in the death of personnel of the forces and civilians who were caught in the crossfire, destruction of unquantifiable private and public properties, caused confusion among civil populace, and disruption of commercial activities in the affected parts of the country (Odoma, 2011). Furthermore, the civil populace was in the wake of this unfortunate development are exposed to high rate of insecurity, as none of the forces were bold to appear on duty for fear of reprisal attacks. For an enduring state security, Adebayo (2004) and Arabamen (2004) have stressed the need for inter forces co-operation, since the public security forces are all the creation of the state.