Emerging Security Threats: Factors and Implications for Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development 2015-2019

Abstract

The backwardness in Nigeria's socioeconomic development has been attributed to several factors such as corruption, bad governance, poor policy implementation, insurgency and, a host of others. However, in more recent times, a new set of emerging security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, herders/farmers conflicts and cybercrime (yahoo-yahoo) seems to complement earlier mentioned factors in the threatening of Nigeria's socioeconomic development by posing threats to lives and property, crippling local businesses and scaring away foreign investors. States such as Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Borno, and e.t.c have so far, felt the consequential effects of these emerging security threats. Government"s effort to bring the menaces to a standstill to avoid possible breakdowns seems to have yielded no positive result. The historical method of research and analysis was employed in the study. The findings revealed that Nigeria"s socioeconomic development have been affected by the emergence of kidnapping, banditry, and cybercrime, with unemployment as one of the major leading factors. The major thrust of this paper is to figure out the possible factors behind these emerging security threats which seem to be a sliding force in Nigeria's slow socioeconomic development and to recommend possible solutions that can serve as a way forward for Nigeria. The paper recommends among others, the need for government to create more job opportunity, more social programs, and to re-enforce its security agencies.

Terrorism and Banditry: Implications for Nigeria's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

“…The transportation of goods and services across the country has also been made more challenging, increasing costs and reducing productivity (Ladan, & Matawalli, 2021). As a result, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has declined, further exacerbating the economic impact of the crisis (Epron, & Nwokeoma, 2019). The negative impact of these security challenges on Nigeria's image has also had far-reaching implications for the country's economic and social fabric (Mukhtar & Abdullahi, 2022).…”

Two Nations, Different Regions, Same Challenges: Legal and Political Analysis of Internal Security Threats in Nigeria and Pakistan

“…In another development, Epron et al (2019) argued that inability of the government of the federation to control the migration of Fulani herders have also affected the socio-economic development of the country in diverse ways, especially in Zamfara and other neighbouring states in the country. Onuah and Akwagyram (2019) cited in Epron et al (2019) argued that the activities of the Fulani herders has also affected mining activities in Zamfara due to the frequent attacks by armed bandits; the implication of which is a drop in revenue generation through mining in the state.…”

“…In another development, Epron et al (2019) argued that inability of the government of the federation to control the migration of Fulani herders have also affected the socio-economic development of the country in diverse ways, especially in Zamfara and other neighbouring states in the country. Onuah and Akwagyram (2019) cited in Epron et al (2019) argued that the activities of the Fulani herders has also affected mining activities in Zamfara due to the frequent attacks by armed bandits; the implication of which is a drop in revenue generation through mining in the state. Most importantly, the activities of these insurgent groups in the country complicated by global economic recession has also affected socio-economic development in the country; the consequence of which is mass unemployment and retrenchment of the labour force both in public and private sectors.…”

Development Effects of Humanitarian Crisis and Rural Banditry: A Focus on Southern Kaduna

“…Owing to the findings, the study recommends that government must adopt proactive measures in dealing with security issues and threats, through modern methods of intelligence gathering, and sharing among security personnel, training, logistics, motivation, and deploying advanced technology in managing security challenges. Epron (2019) analyzed the causes and socioeconomic implications of emerging security challenges in Nigeria. The historical method of research and analysis was employed in the study.…”