{"id":3028,"date":"2023-06-07T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greycontinent.com\/?p=3026"},"modified":"2023-06-10T16:51:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T16:51:29","slug":"nigerias-security-situation-has-got-worse-what-tinubus-administration-needs-to-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/home-5016083355.webspace-host.com\/wordpress\/2023\/06\/07\/nigerias-security-situation-has-got-worse-what-tinubus-administration-needs-to-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria\u2019s security situation has got worse: what Tinubu\u2019s administration needs to do about it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nigeria\u2019s new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu<\/a>, has promised to make security a top priority of his administration. In his inaugural speech<\/a> he promised, among other things, to provide security personnel with better training, equipment, pay and firepower.<\/p>\n

The new president has read the mood in the country well. A recent survey showed that 77% of Nigerians<\/a> felt unsafe in their country.<\/p>\n

The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated over the past eight years. Every region of the country is affected. Data compiled by this author, from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project<\/a> shows that there were 59,279 fatalities from security related incidents between 29 May 2015 when President Buhari assumed office and 18 May 2023. This is opposed to 34,066 of such fatalities recorded between 29 May 2007 and 28 May 2015. (See table 1)<\/p>\n

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Source: Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED)<\/a><\/p>\n

Boko Haram<\/a>, which has existed in various forms since the 1990s, was for many years the country\u2019s biggest security challenge. The insurgency, which started in Borno State, was concentrated in the north-east region. But now, other non-state armed groups<\/a> are spreading violence all over Nigeria.<\/p>\n

At least 7,222 Nigerians were killed and 3,823 abducted as a result of<\/a> 2,840 violent incidents between January and July 2022.<\/p>\n

Buhari made a number of promises to address Nigeria\u2019s chronic security problems. But he failed to effectively address them.<\/p>\n

As a sociologist<\/a> with specialisation in civil-military relations, armed groups, criminology and security studies, peace and conflict management and human rights, I have been researching<\/a> various aspects of insecurity in Nigeria. Based on this work, I outline urgent steps the Tinubu administration must take to turn the tide of insecurity.<\/p>\n

It needs to audit the security budget allocation of its predecessor and take a close look at its implementation. This will help identify areas of inefficiency and corruption.<\/p>\n

There is also a need for enhanced oversight and coordination among security agencies.<\/p>\n

On top of this, the Tinubu administration needs to address underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity. Investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure development are crucial. So are job creation, poverty alleviation and inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n