Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

ISSN 2201-4268
Volume 5, Number 1, 2014, 40-63

Insecurity and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria

Olabanji Olukayode EWETAN (PhD), Ese Urhie (PhD)

Departm ent of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Km. 10
Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract. This paper exam ines the pertinent issue of insecurity in Nigeria and its implication for
socio-economic developm ent. Available data on the level and dimensions of insecurity in Nigeria
reveals an increase over time, which constitutes serious threat to lives and properties, hinders
business activities and discourages local and foreign investors, all which stifles and retar ds Nigeria‟s
socio-economic developm ent. This rising wave of insecurity has not abated but has assum ed a
dangerous dimension which is threatening the corporate existence of the country as one geographical
entity. In the light of the above the paper recommends that government must be proactive in dealing
with security issues and threats, through m odern m ethods of intelligence gathering, and sharing
among security personnel, training, logistics, motivation, and deploying advanced technology in
managing security challenges. The real solution lies in governm ent accelerating the pace of economic
development through creating an economy with r elevant social, economic and physical infrastructure
to support business and industrial growth.
Keywords: Insecurity, Security, Growth, Socio-Economic Development, Nigeria

1. Introduction
According to Omoyibo and Akpomera (2013), security is a concept that is prior to
the state, and the state exists in order to provide that concept. Security is the prime
responsibility of the state (Thomas Hobbes, 1996). The 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria specifically states that “The security and welfare of the
people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Unfortunately, government on
this constitutional responsibility has failed to provide a secured and safe
environment for lives, properties and the conduct of business and economic
activities. The alarming level of insecurity in Nigeria has fuelled the crime rate and

© Copyright 2014 the authors. 40

41 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

terrorists attacks in different parts of the country, leaving unpalatable

consequences for the nation‟s economy and its growth. To address the threat to
national security and combat the increasing waves of crime the federal government
in the 2013 budget made a huge allocation to security, and the national assembly
passed the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2011 (Ewetan, 2013). Despite these efforts, the
level of insecurity in the country is still high, and a confirmation of this is the low
ranking of Nigeria in the Global Peace Index (GPI, 2012). Despite the plethora of
security measures taken to address the daunting challenges of insecurity in Nigeria,
government efforts have not produced the desired positive result.This has compelled
the Nigerian government in recent time to request for foreign assistance from
countries such as USA, Israel, and EU countries to combat the rising waves of
terrorism and insecurity.

Amidst the deteriorating security situation in the country, Nigeria is also

confronted with daunting developmental challenges which pose serious threat to
socio-economic development. These developmental challenges include endemic rural
and urban poverty, high rate of unemployment, debilitating youth unemployment,
low industrial output, unstable and deteriorating exchange rate, high inflation rate,
inadequate physical and social infrastructure, very large domestic debt, and rising
stock of external debt (Ewetan, 2013)

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria‟s unemployment rate

increased to 23.9 percent in 2011 compared with 21.1 per cent in 2010 and 19.7 per
cent in 2009. The country has a youth population of 80 million, representing about
60 per cent of the total population with a growth rate of 2.6 per cent per year, and
the national demography suggests that the youth population remains vibrant with
an average annual entrant to the labour force at 1.8 million between 2006 and 2011.
In 2011, 37.7 per cent of Nigerian were aged 15-24 years and 22.4 per cent of those
between ages 25 and 44 were willing to work but did not get jobs. The current level
of social insecurity is alarming and unacceptable. The United Nations Children‟s
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 42

Fund reports that every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145
women of childbearing age, making the country the second largest contributor to
the under-five and maternal mortality rates in the world. A greater proportion of
the population do not have access to pipe borne water, health care facilities,
electricity and affordable quality education. Although Nigeria is a signatory to the
UN resolution on the MDG goals the attainment of these goals by 2015 remains
elusive and doubtful (Ewetan, 2013).

Against this background, this paper therefore seeks to examine the pertinent issue
of national insecurity, a crisis of the Nigerian state, and its implication for Nigeria‟s
socio-economic development

2. Conceptual Issues
There are divergent approaches to conceptualizing security which is the antithesis
of insecurity. This paper therefore seeks to examine the concept of security to
facilitate a good understanding of the concept of insecurity. Security need was the
basis of the social contract between the people and the state, in which people
willingly surrendered their rights to an organ (government) who oversees the
survival of all. In this light security embodies the mechanism put in place to avoid,
prevent, reduce, or resolve violent conflicts, and threats that originate from other
states, non-state actors, or structural socio-political and economic conditions (Stan,
2004). For decades, issues relating to security were on the front burner in the
development discourse. Several attempts have been made since the cold war ended
to redefine the concept of security from a state-centric perspective to a broader view
that places premium on individuals, in which human security that embodies
elements of national security, human rights and national development remain
major barometer for explaining the concept. At the heart of this debate there have
been attempts to deepen and widen the concept of security from the level of the
states to societies and individuals, and from military to non-military issues
(Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013; Kruhmann, 2003).
43 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

According to Nwanegbo and Odigbo (2013) the divergent approaches to the

conceptualization of human security in the theoretical literature can be categorized
into two major strands. One is a neo-realist theoretical strand that conceptualizes
security as primary responsibilities of the state. The second strand, a postmodernist
or plural view, conceptualizes security as the responsibilities of non-state actors and
displaces the state as a major provider of security. Proponents of this approach
argue that the concept of security goes beyond a military determination of threats.
They are of the view that government should be more concern with the economic
security of individual than the security of the state because the root causes of
insecurity are economic in nature.
Some scholars in conceptualizing security placed emphasis on the absence of threats
to peace, stability, national cohesion, political and socio -economic objectives of a
country (Igbuzor, 2011; Oche, 2001; Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013). Thus there is a
general consensus in the contemporary literature that security is vital for national
cohesion, peace and sustainable development. It is therefore apparent that national
security is a desideratum, sine qua non for economic growth and development of any
country (Oladeji and Folorunso, 2007). In the intelligence community there is a
consensus that security is not the absence of threats or security issues, but the
existence of a robust mechanism to respond proactively to the challenges posed by
these threats with expediency, expertise, and in real time.

The concept of insecurity connotes different meanings such as: absence of safety;
danger; hazard; uncertainty; lack of protection, and lack of safety. According to
Beland (2005) insecurity is a state of fear or anxiety due to absence or lack of
protection. Achumba et al (2013) defines insecurity from two perspectives. Firstly,
insecurity is the state of being open or subject to danger or threat of danger, where
danger is the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury. Secondly insecurity is
the state of being exposed to risk or anxiety, where anxiety is a vague unpleasant
emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some misfortune. These definitions of
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 44

insecurity underscore a major point that those affected by insecurity are not only
uncertain or unaware of what would happen but they are also vulnerable to the
threats and dangers when they occur. In the context of this paper insecurity is
defined as a breach of peace and security, whether historical, religious, ethno-
regional, civil, social, economic, and political that contributes to recurring conflicts,
and leads to wanton destruction of lives and property.

The conceptualization of development has undergone metamorphosis since the

Second World War ended in 1945. The meaning and the conceptualization of
development was greatly influenced by the ideological contradiction between the
Socialist East and the Capitalist West. The issue of ideology of development posed a
problem to conceptualizing development. Growth theorists argued that development
is an outcome of economic growth while other scholars like Rostow (1952), Harrod-
Domar (1957) posited that economic development and growth result from structural
changes, savings and investments in an economy.

The failure of economic growth in most developing and developed countries of Latin
America and Africa, in the late 1970s, to deliver corresponding social goods and
solve problems of unemployment, poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy and ever
increasing crimes and wars, necessitated the new thinking, and redefinition of
development from economic growth centered perspective to human centered
approach (Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013). In this light Chandler (2007) sees
development as a broader concept that recognizes psychological and material factors
that measure human well-being. Development therefore is a multifaceted
phenomenon and man centered. It is the process of empowering people to maximize
their potentials, and develop the knowledge capacity to exploit nature to meet daily
human needs (Rodney, 1972; Nnoli, 1981; Ake, 2001). The transformation of the
society and the emergence of new social and economic organizations are critical
indicators of development (Stiglitz cited in Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013).
45 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

Socio-economic development is a product of development and can be defined as the

process of social and economic transformation in a society. Socio-economic
development embraces changes taking place in the social sphere mostly of an
economic nature. Thus, socio-economic development is made up of processes caused
by exogenous and endogenous factors which determine the course and direction of
the development. Socio-economic development is measured with indicators, such as
GDP, life expectancy, literacy and levels of employment. Changes in less -tangible
factors are also considered, such as personal dignity, freedom of association,
personal safety and freedom from fear of physical harm, and the extent of
participation in civil society. Causes of socio-economic impacts are, for example, new
technologies, changes in laws, changes in the physical environment and ecological
changes.

Scholars have identified strong links between security and development since the
cold war ended (Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013; Chandler, 2007). They argued that
development cannot be achieved in any nation where there are conflicts, crisis and
war. There is a consensus in the literature that security and development are two
different and inseparable concepts that affect each other, and this has naturally
triggered debates on security-development nexus (Chandler, 2007; Stan 2004).

3. Origin and Causes of Insecurity in Nigeria

According to Ali (2013) the fear of insecurity in Nigeria is on the increase and this
has been compounded by the rising waves of terrorism since the country returned to
democratic rule in 1999. Violent crime has a root and history in Nigeria, and could
be traced back to the period from 1960 to 1970. At independence in 1960 a federal
structure was imposed on Nigeria by the British. Wheare (1963) conceptualizes
federalism as a constitutional division of power between two levels of government
which are independent and coordinating in their respective spheres of influence.
Unfortunately, the federal structure bequeathed to Nigeria at independence did not
conform to Professor K.C. Wheare‟s tenets of federalism as a system of government
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 46

where two levels of government exist each sovereign in its sphere of jurisdiction
(Awotayo et al, 2013). The incursion of the military into governance, and the
consequent imposition of military command structure in a federation set the tone
for the distortion of Nigeria‟s federalism. Thus the practice of federalism in Nigeria
no doubt has been distorted by overwhelming dominance of the federal government
that distributes national resources to lower level government at its own whims and
caprices (Ewetan, 2011).

Since independence, the demand for true federalism, fiscal and political
restructuring by different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria has not abated. These
agitations have contributed to violent rebellious reactions by aggrieved ethnic
groups in the country, endangering the security, unity, and corporate existence of
Nigeria as one country. Federalism that undermines the independence and
autonomy of its federating units will only bring about conflict, threat to national
cohesion and peace, and ultimate disintegration (Ali, 2013; Adamu, 2005)

Insecurity challenges can be traced to the early years of military rule when large
quantities of arms were imported into the country for the use of the military during
and after the Nigerian civil war, some of which got into the hand of the civilians.
Soon after the civil war these arms were used by civilians and ex-military men for
mischievous purposes such as armed robbery. There was also the army of
unemployed youths some of whom lost their job during the civil war. The level of
insecurity assumed dangerous dimensions in the prolonged years of military rule
beginning from 1970 during which people procure arms and light weapons for
personal defence. Some of these arms and light weapons got into the hands of
unemployed youths who used them for deviant purpose. While some researchers
attribute youth violence to peer group influence and other psychological factors
associated with growing up, others emphasized the impact of political and economic
factors such as ethnic agitation, political agitation, unemployment, Structural
Adjustment Programme (SAP) as triggers of violent reaction among the youth.
47 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

Many scholars have identified several causes of conflict and insecurity in Nigeria
that are inimical to socio-economic and national development (Ali, 2013; Okorie,
2011; Jega, 2002; Salawu, 2010; Onyishi, 2011; Ezeoba, 2011; Lewis, 2002). These
causes have been classified into external and internal causes. In Nigeria the
internal causes of insecurity pose major challenge to socio-economic development
than the external causes of insecurity. This paper therefore focuses on the internal
causes of insecurity in Nigeria. These causes include:
Ethno-religious Conflicts: These conflicts are caused by suspicion and distrust
among various ethnic groups and among the major religions in the country. Ethno-
religious conflict is a situation in which the relationship between members of one
ethnic or religious and another of such group in a multiethnic and multi-religious
society is characterized by lack of cordiality, mutual suspicion and fear, and a
tendency towards violent confrontation (Achumba et al. 2013; Salawu, 2010). The
frequent and persistent ethnic conflicts and religious clashes between the two
dominant religions (Islam and Christianity) is a major security challenge that
confronts Nigeria. Since independence, Nigeria appears to have been bedeviled with
ethno-religious conflicts. There are ethno-religious conflicts in all parts of Nigeria
and these have emerged as a result of new and particularistic forms of political
consciousness and identity often structured around ethno-religious identities
(Ibrahim and Igbuzor, 2002). Ethno-religious violence is also traceable to the
inability of Nigerian leaders to tackle development challenges, and distribute state
resources equitably. Other causes are accusation, and allegation of neglect,
oppression, domination, exploitation, victimization, discrimination, marginalization,
nepotism and bigotry. In all parts of Nigeria, ethno-religious conflicts have assumed
alarming rates. It has occurred in places like Shagamu (Ogun State), Lagos, Abia,
Kano, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Jos, Taraba, Ebonyi and Enugu State respectively .
These ethno-religious identities have become disintegrative and destructive social
elements threatening the peace, stability and security in Nigeria (Eme and Onyishi,
2011).
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 48

Politically Based Violence: Nigeria has a long history of politically based

violence since the collapse of the first republic on January 14, 1966, and the
incursion of the military into governance that same date. The electoral politics in
Nigeria right from 1960s till date have been characterized with violent conflicts,
political thuggery, assassinations, and arson. Politicians in Nigerian do not
accommodate dialogue, negotiation and consensus (Eme and Onyishi, 2011).
Political contests are characterized by desperation, and violent struggle for political
power among politicians. Recurring political violence in Nigeria could be attributed
to over-zealousness and desperation of political gladiators to win elections or remain
in office at all cost. These misadventures have often been catastrophic leading to
decimation of innocent lives, disruption of economic activities, and the destruction
of properties among others.
Systemic and Political Corruption: This is a twin evil and hydra-headed
monster that has held the Nigerian state captive. This has contributed to
government failure and breakdown of institutional infrastructures. The state of
insecurity in Nigeria is greatly a function of government failure, traceable to
systemic and political corruption. It has added another dimension of violent
conflicts which has eroded national values. Corruption is bad not because money
and benefits change hands, and not because of the motives of participants, but
because it privatizes valuable aspects of public life, bypassing processes of
representation, debate, and choice. It has been described as cancer militating
against Nigeria‟s development, because corruption deeply threatens the fabric of the
Nigeria society (Nwanegbo and Odigbo, 2013). Corruption hampers economic
growth, disproportionately burdens the poor and undermines the effectiveness of
investment and aid (Iyare, 2008).
Economic-Based Violence: It is also referred to as “political economy of violence”.
Eme and Onyishi (2011) note that, in recent writings in the mass media, much
emphasis is laid on the role of resources in generating conflict which is a major
cause of economic-based violence across the globe and across political divide. Cries
of resource control and revenue sharing regularly rent the air between proponents
49 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

and opponents also leading to violent agitations among the contending actors and
between the state and proponents. The Niger-Delta crisis in Nigeria presents a
classic case of this violent struggle that has been on since the end of the Nigerian
civil war in 1970. These violent agitations have claimed many lives of Nigerians and
foreigners, military and para-military personnel, and properties worth billions of
naira. It has also resulted in economic misfortune in Nigeria through loss of oil
revenue as a result of shortfall in crude oil exports by the oil companies occasioned
by disruption of oil exploration activities by the Niger-Delta militants.
Although by no means limited to oil in the Niger Delta, the most prevalent
campaign about the link between resources and conflict in Nigeria focuses on oil
and the Delta region. No doubt oil has given rise to vertical and horizontal conflicts
between National, State and society or between dominant and subordinate
geopolitical zones, classes and groups across Nigeria, given the pivotal role that oil
plays in the political economy, and power relations in Nigeria.
It is however true those other types of resource driven conflicts have received less
attention in the debate. Assets such as grazing and farming, and water resource,
have tended to give rise to horizontal conflicts that involve communities across the
geo-political zones.
Pervasive Material Inequalities and Unfairness: A major factor that
contributes to insecurity in Nigeria is the growing awareness of inequalities, and
disparities in life chances which lead to violent reactions by a large number of
people. There is a general perception of marginalization by a section of the people in
areas of government development policies, political patronage, and these are
triggers of disaffection, resentment, and revolt (Achumba, et al. 2013). The
incessant strikes by labour, professional groups and demonstrations by civil society
groups are mainly due to pervasive material inequalities and unfairness. Their
agitations are aimed at drawing public sympathy for their struggle for just and fair
treatment by the government.
Unemployment/Poverty: According to Adagba et al (2012) unemployment/poverty
among Nigerians, especially the youths is a major cause of insecurity and violent
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 50

crimes in Nigeria. In particular youth‟s unemployment have contributed to the

rising cases of violent conflict in Nigeria. Also, one of the major causes of insecurity
in the country is the failure of successive administration to address challenges of
poverty, unemployment, and inequitable distribution of wealth among ethnic
nationalities.
Organized violent groups: Organized violent groups such as ethnic militia,
vigilantes, secret cults in tertiary institutions and political thugs contribute
significantly to security challenges in Nigeria in different dimension and forms.
Their emergence have been linked to a number of factors which include the culture
of militarism that has its antecedents in military rule, the failure of the state and
its institutions, economic disempowerment, the structure of the state and Nigeria‟s
federalism, non-separation of state and religion, politics of exclusion, culture of
patriarchy, ignorance and poor political consciousness (Ibrahim and Igbuzor, 2002
as cited in Eme and Onyishi, 2011).
Weak Security System: This is a major contributory factor to the level of
insecurity in Nigeria, and this can be attributed to a number of factors which
include inadequate funding of the police and other security agencies, lack of modern
equipment both in weaponry and training, poor welfare of security personnel, and
inadequate personnel (Achumba et al. 2013). According to Olonisakin (2008) the
police-population ratio in Nigeria is 1:450 which falls below the standard set by the
United Nations. The implication of this is that Nigeria is grossly under policed and
this partly explains the inability of the Nigerian Police Force to effectively combat
crimes and criminality in the country.
Porous Borders: Achumba et al. (2013) observe that the porous frontiers of the
country, where individual movements are largely untracked have contributed to the
level of insecurity in Nigeria. As a result of the porous borders there is an
unchecked inflow of Small Arms and Light Weapons into the country which has
aided militancy and criminality in Nigeria (Hazen and Horner, 2007). Available
data show that Nigeria host over 70 percent of about 8 million illegal weapons in
West Africa (Edeko, 2011). Also, the porosity of the Nigerian borders has aided the
51 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

uncontrollable influx of migrants, mainly young men, from neighboring countries

such as Republic of Niger, Chad and Republic of Benin responsible for some of the
criminal acts (Adeola and Oluyemi, 2012).
Terrorism: The most fundamental source of insecurity in Nigeria today is
terrorism which is traceable to religious fanaticism and intolerance particularly in
Islam dominated states of Nigeria (Achumba et al. 2013). Terrorism is a global
phenomenon and it is ravaging the whole world. It has been defined by Sampson
and Onuoha (2011) as “the premeditated use or threat of use of violence by an
individual or group to cause fear, destruction or death, especially against unarmed
targets, property or infrastructure in a state, intended to compel those in authority
to respond to the demands and expectations of the individual or group behind such
violent acts‟.

Terrorism in Nigeria is not a recent phenomenon, it started with the notorious

Islamic sect in the Northern part of Nigeria called Mataisine during Alhaji Shehu
Shagari civilian regime of the second republic which was aborted by a military coup
in December 1983 led by General Muhammadu Buhari. Terrorism rears its ugly
head again during the Obasanjo civilian regime of the fourth republic which
witnessed religious riots in Plateau state in Northern Nigeria. In recent times
terrorism has assumed a political undertone and is been spearheaded by a faceless
Islamic insurgents based in the Northern region of Nigeria called Boko Haram, that
has claimed thousands of lives in the North since 2009.

Terrorism in Nigeria has been linked to religious, socio-political, economic and

cultural factors. Even though terrorism originated from Islamic fanaticism, it is now
driven by factors such as inequalities within the country and lack among Nigerians,
in terms of livelihood (economic) resources, education or access to education and
good values. The current challenge of terrorism to physical security is threatening
the Nigeria society on all fronts. Some foreign observers have linked terrorism in
Nigeria to a number of factors which include, political conflicts, unbalanced
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 52

development that involves horizontal inequalities, religious/ethnic distrust, poor

governance linked to leadership failure, and high level corruption (Kufour, 2012;
Oluwarotimi, 2012).

4. Insecurity Situation and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria.

After fifty three years of nationhood Nigeria still ranks among the poorest countries
in the world, also ranks low in all socio economic indicators such as life expectancy,
death rate, access to water, poverty rate, mortality rate, and crime rate, and still
carries the tag of a developing economy. Nigeria is a classic illustration of an
oxymoron, a poor country in the midst of abundant human and natural resources.
This scenario has contributed to security challenges that have bedeviled the country
since independence till now with grave consequences for socio -economic
development. There is no nation that can achieve socio-economic development in an
environment of socio and physical insecurity. The increasing challenge of insecurity
in Nigeria has also been linked to failure of leadership to deliver good governance,
and secure the welfare of persons on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.
The ruling elites in Nigeria in both the military and democratic dispensation are
dependent, parasitic, and very corrupt in nature, and mal-administration (Ali,
2013).

The various constitutions that Nigeria has operated including the 1999
constitutions make provisions for the rights of citizens to include; right to life, right
to social security, right to work, right to livelihood, just and favourable
remuneration, right to a standard of living adequate for the health, and well-being
of individual and his family, including food, clothing, housing, and right to
education. No doubt, Nigeria is blessed with abundant human, and natural
resources to guarantee the attainment of these rights (Ali, 2013; Bako, 1998).
Regrettably previous and present governments have failed to guarantee these
rights and thus the onus is on individuals to seek for means to provide the basic
necessities of life for him and his family.
53 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

The inability of government to provide a secure and safe environment for lives,
properties and the conduct of business and economic activities has led to
resentment and disaffection among ethnic groups. This has resulted in ethnic
violence, communal clashes, and religious violence in different parts of the country
that has destroyed lives and properties, disrupted businesses and economic
activities, and retarded economic growth and development of Nigeria. There is no
investor whether local or foreign that will be motivated to invest in an unsafe and
insecure environment. In a globalized world investors are not only looking for high
returns on their investments but also safe haven for their investments. Thus the
alarming level of insecurity in Nigeria has made the economy unattractive to
foreign investors, and this has impacted negatively on economic growth and
development.

The table below shows available data on the level of some of the crimes from 2000-
2008.
Table 1: Level of Crimes from 2000 to 2008
Year Theft Armed Robbery Kidnapping Assassination Fraud
2000 29127 1877 243 1255 7927
2001 40796 2809 349 2120 10234
2002 35231 3889 337 2117 9134
2003 33124 3497 410 2136 9508
2004 37289 3142 349 2550 9532
2005 46111 2074 798 2074 9580
2006 41901 2863 372 2000 6395
2007 21082 2327 277 2007 5860
2008 23927 2340 309 1956 5058
Source: Adapted from Achumba et al. (2013)

Table 1 shows that on the average the rate of all the insecurity variables increased
between 2000 and 2008 with the exception of fraud which decreased within the
same period. In recent time there has been an increase in the rate of theft, armed
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 54

robbery especially in the banks, kidnapping and assassination in different parts of

the country. However these vices are not equally distributed in the country. For
instance, the South East states of Nigeria have the highest incidence of kidnapping,
the South South and South West states of Nigeria have the highest incidence of
armed robbery and fraud, while the Northern states are characterized by bombing
by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram (CLEEN, 2012).

Available data on the violent attacks of Boko Haram from2009 to 2012 are reported
in Table 2

Table 2. Attacks by Boko Haram Sect in Nigeria from 2009 to 2012

S/N Date of State Location of Attack Impact
Attack
1 July 27, Yobe Attack on Potiskum, Yobe State Divisional 4 people killed
2009 Headquarters.
2 March Plateau Another sect operation in the northern part of 300 people killed
13, Jos, Plateau State.
2018
3 Oct. 1 Abuja Explosions near the Eagle Square, Abuja. 12 people killed
2010 and many injured
4 Dec. 24, Plateau A bomb attack, in Barkin Ladi, Jos, Plateau 8 people killed
2010 State.
5 Dec, 31, Abuja Explosions in Mogadishu Mammy Market, 10 people killed
2010 Abuja.
6 Jan. 21, Borno Attack on Borno state Governorship candidate 7 people killed
2011 of all Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), for the
2011 election, Alhaji Modu Gubio.
7 Mar. 2, Kaduna Boko Haram killed policemen attached to the 2 people killed
2011 Residence of Mustapha Sandamu, at Rigasa
8 Mar. 30, Yobe Bomb planted by Boko Haram in Damaturu, 1 injured
2011 Yobe State, exploded and injured police officer.
9 April 8, Niger Bomb at INEC office in Suleja 8 people killed
2011
 55 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

10 April 26, Bauchi Army Barracks in Bauchi bombed 3 people killed

2011 And many injured
11 May 29, Abuja Multiple bombings in different locations in 13 people killed
2011 Bauchi Northern Nigeria. And 40 injured
And Zaria
12 June 7, Borno Series of bomb blasts occurred in Maiduguri 5 killed and
2011 several injured
13 June 16, Abuja and Nigerian Police Headquarters, Abuja, bombed by 7 killed and many
2011 Borno A suspected suicide bomber. A bomb blast also Vehicles damaged
Occurred at Damboa town, Maiduguri
14 June 20, Kaduna Boko Haram stormed Kankara Police station in 7 policemen killed
2011 Katsina state. and 2 security men
15 July 9, Borno and A clash between Boko Haram and the military in 35 killed and many
2011 Niger Maiduguri, Borno State, also in Suleja, Niger State, injured
a bomb was targeted at a church.
16 July 12, Borno Boko Haram threw an explosive device on a moving 5 people killed
2011 Military patrol vehicle
17 July 15, Borno Explosion in Maiduguri. 5 people injured
2011
18 July 25, Maiduguri Bomb explosion near the palace of traditional ruler 8 people killed
2011 in Maiduguri.
19 Aug. 26, Abuja A suicide Bomber drove into The United Nations 25 people killed and
2011 building in Abuja 60 injured
20 Sep. 12, Bauchi A bomb attack on a police station in Misau 7 people killed
2011
21 Sep. 17, Borno Brother in-law of Mohammed Yusuf, the slain leader 1 person killed
2011 of Boko Haram, Babakura Fugu, shot dead in front
of his house in Maiduguri by two members of the
sect two days after he was visited by former
President Olusegun Obasanjo.
22 Oct. 3, Borno Boko Haram attacked Baga Market in Maiduguri 3 people killed
2011
23 Nov. 4, Yobe Attack by Boko Haram in Damaturu, Yobe state. 150 people killed
2011
24 Nov. 27, Yobe Attacks in Gendam. 7 people killed
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 56

2011
25 Dec. 24 Plateau Bombings in Jos. 80 people killed
2011
26 Dec. 25, Niger Christmas Day bombing in Madalla. 50 people killed
2011
27 Jan. 6, Adamawa Christ Apostolic Church was attacked and Igbo 37 people killed
2012 People were also killed in Mubi in the same state
28 Jan. 20, Kano Multiple attacks in Kano. 150 people killed
2012
29 Jan. 26, Kano The Sabon Gari of Kano State witnessed another Many injured and
2012 Explosion, which caused another pandemonium in Some luxury buses
the state. damaged
30 Feb. 7, Kano A bomb blast in Kano market and military barracks 5 people killed
2012
31 April 8, Kaduna Easter Day Church bombing. 38 people killed
2012
32 June 17, Kaduna Multiple attacks on churches. 12 people killed and
2012 80 injured
33 Aug. 7, Kogi Deeper Life Church. 19 people killed
2012

Source: Adapted from Achumba et al. (2013)

The data in Table 2 above illustrate graphically the high level of insecurity in
Nigeria from 2009 to 2012, and this situation has not improved but rather it is
getting worse. The worsening security situation in the country has caused enormous
loss of life and property and created general atmosphere of fear and social tension in
the country.
 57 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

Table 3: Data on Global Peace Index/Rank, Human Development Index and

Corruption Perception Index for Nigeria
Year Human Development Index Global Peace Index Global Peace Rank Corruption Perception
(HDI) (GPI) Index (CPI)
2000 0.462 1.2
2001 0.463 1.0
2002 0.466 1.6
2003 0.453 1.4
2004 0.448 1.6
2005 0.434 1.9
2006 0.444 2.2
2007 0.448 2.898 117th 2.2
2008 0.453 2.724 129th 2.7
2009 0.457 2.602 129th 2.5
2010 0.462 2.756 137th 2.4
2011 0.467 2.743 142nd 2.4
2012 0.471 2.801 146th 2.7
Sources: Human Development Report (Various Issues);
Global Peace Index (2012) Retrieved from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia;
Transparency International.

The data in Table 3 above show that between 2007 and 2012 there is a significant
decline in peace in Nigeria in terms of the Peace Index and Rank in the Global
Peace Ranking. The Peace Index declined from 2.898 in 2007 to 2.801 in 2012. Also
Nigeria‟s position on Global Peace Ranking dropped from 117 th in 2007 to 146th
position in 2012. Also the values of the Corruption Perception Index between 2000
and 2012 increased from 1.2 in 2000 to 2.7 in 2012 indicating an increase in the
level of corruption during this period. The implication of this is that since Nigeria
returned to democratic system of government in 1999 corruption has been on the
increase despite the establishment of a number of anti-corruption agencies such as
Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt
Practices Commission (ICPC). Thus the high level of insecurity between 2007 and
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 58

2012 was accompanied by high level of corruption indicating a positive correlation

between insecurity and corruption in the country. During this same period data on
Nigeria‟s Human Development Index, an indicator of socio -economic development,
on the average is below 0.5 indicating low level of socio economic development. Thus
a high level of insecurity and corruption, was accompanied by a low level of socio-
economic development, confirming a negative correlation between insecurity and
socio-economic on one hand, and negative correlation between corruption and socio-
economic development.

Thus from the above analysis insecurity, and corruption have contributed to low
level of socio-economic development in Nigeria between 2007 and 2012. The year
2007 marked the inception of President Yar‟dua/Jonathan administration which is
still on. From 2007 till date the security situation in the country has worsened, and
a major contributor to this serious security challenge is the menace of Boko Haram
insurgents.

Insecurity in Nigeria has retarded socio economic development in Nigeria in various

ways. These include:
 Social dislocation and population displacement
 Social tensions and new pattern of settlements which encourages
Muslins/Christians or members of an ethnic group moving to Muslim/Christian
dominated enclaves.
 Heightens citizenship question which encourages hostility between
“indigenes” and “settlers”.
 Dislocation and disruption of family and communal life.
 General atmosphere of mistrust, fear, anxiety and frenzy
 Dehumanization of women, children, and men especially in areas where rape,
child abuse and neglect are used as instruments of war.
 Deepening of hunger and poverty in the polity.
59 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

 Discourages local and foreign investment as it makes investment

unattractive to business people.
 Halts business operations during period of violence and outright closure of
many enterprises in the areas or zones where incidence of insecurity is rife and
are on daily occurrence.
 Increases security spending by business organizations and governments.
 Migration of people from area or region where there is prevalence of
insecurity.

Socio economic development is the primary goal of every well meaning government,
and it is essentially dependent on the level of economic activities in a country; the
level of economic activities is in turn enhanced by peaceful co-existence by people.
In the absence of security, socio-economic development cannot be sustained as it
destroys economic, human and social capital. The Boko Haram insurgence in
Northern Nigeria has almost crippled economic activities in that region. Also
activities of other militia groups in other parts of the country pose serious threat to
the economic health of these regions. The security crises in different parts of
Nigeria is destroying existing infrastructure and preventing a peaceful environment
for the development of further infrastructure, and a safe environment for economic
activities by individuals to give them economic empowerment that will enable
households not only to cater for their present generations, create wealth, but also to
provide for future generations.

The report by World Bank (2011) on “Conflict, Security and Development” reveals
that about 1.5billion people live in countries affected by political and criminal
violence, which has exacerbated human misery, and disrupted development.

The bane of Nigeria‟s development is insecurity. Insecurity situation is costing

Nigeria its leadership role in Africa in terms of development. Consequently, more
proactive initiatives regarding tackling menace of insecurity are needed in Nigeria
 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies 60

since security is central to development, and the national transformation agenda of

the current administration may not be achieved if there is no solution to the menace
of insecurity ravaging the country.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

The presence of insecurity in any environment constitutes threat to lives and
properties, hinders business activities, and discourages local and foreign investors,
all of which stifles and retards socio-economic development of a country. In Nigeria
there has been rising wave of insecurity since the country attained independence in
1960. This rising wave has not abated but has assumed a dangerous dimension
which is even threatening the corporate existence of the country as one geographical
entity. The elimination of these threats should be the number one goal of
governments in Nigeria at all levels as the country cannot achieve any significant
development amidst insecurity and violence.
Government must be proactive in dealing with security issues and threats, through
modern methods of intelligence gathering, and intelligence sharing, training,
logistics, motivation, and deploying advanced technology in managing security
challenges.

The real panacea for solving insecurity challenge in Nigeria is for government to
accelerate the pace of development. Development in this context consists of creating
an economy with relevant social, economic and physical infrastructure for business
operations and industrial growth, to provide gainful employment, high level of
educational facilities, and medical care for the people.

Governments at all levels should ensure that rising poverty indices are reversed
and a realistic social security programme is pursued and systematically
implemented to ensure that the populace meets their basic needs.
61 Journal of Sustainable Development Studies

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