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Author(s):
JSMPA VOL 2 ISSUE 3 TABLE OF CONTENT.
Page No :
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VOL 2 ISSUE 3 TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract
TABLE OF CONTENT
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Author(s):
HAJARA Abubakar Isa.
Page No : 1-24
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Military Spouses and the Challenge of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1 Division of Nigerian Army Kaduna State: 2013-2023
Abstract
This paper titled "Military spouses and the Challenge of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1 Division of Nigerian Army Kaduna State: 2013-2023," investigates the diverse experiences of military wives grappling with their partners' Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study addresses a significant gap in research concerning the struggles of military spouses in the Nigerian context. It examines the relationship between military wives and PTSD, identifies prevalent factors contributing to PTSD diagnoses among Nigerian Army personnel of 1 Division Kaduna State from 2013 to 2023, ascertains the roles wives play in managing the condition, and explores the challenges they face. Ultimately, it aims to develop strategies for addressing PTSD and other identified challenges among military spouses. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized both descriptive statistics from survey questionnaire and medical records, and thematic analysis of qualitative data from in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collection involved distributing 392 questionnaires, with 327 used for analysis, and conducting 15 Key Informant Interviews and 5 sessions of Focus Group Discussions with 10 participants in various locations within the 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna jurisdictions, and with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) in Abuja. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were prioritized. The findings reveal that military wives are profoundly affected by their spouses' PTSD, experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life. These women often serve as primary caregivers but receive little to no institutional support, leading to silent suffering. The study highlights a significant lack of structured mental health support within the Nigerian military system for families. Coping mechanisms are largely informal, offering temporary relief but failing to address core psychological needs. The thesis concludes that military wives are indispensable yet unacknowledged frontline emotional caregivers. It underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian military to implement structured, culturally-sensitive programs that recognize and support the critical role of spouses, equipping them with necessary tools to navigate the complexities of living with a partner with PTSD, and ultimately improving mental health outcomes and marital resilience within military communities.
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Author(s):
ABUBAKAR Ali Chiroma.
Page No : 25-47
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The Political Objectives of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and the Tinubu Administration
Abstract
This paper examines Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as a national policy document and evaluates the performance of the Tinubu Administration (2023–2025) in implementing its Section 15 on Political Objectives. The Constitution, as the supreme legal and political framework, outlines the guiding principles for governance, national unity, and social justice. The study conceptualizes the Constitution as both a contractual and co-ordinational instrument binding public officials to its provisions while shaping institutional relationships. Drawing comparative insights from the constitutional experiences of the United States, Ethiopia, and other federal systems, the paper situates Nigeria’s constitutional evolution within its colonial and postcolonial context, tracing the recurring challenges of implementation across successive regimes.
Using qualitative analysis, the paper assesses the Tinubu Administration’s adherence to the constitutional motto of “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress,” and its compliance with subsections on national integration and the duties of government in promoting unity, mobility, residence rights, inter-marriage, and inclusive associations. Findings reveal that while the administration has made rhetorical and partial policy efforts toward unity such as infrastructure expansion, digital connectivity, and interfaith engagement, its performance is constrained by insecurity, economic hardship, perceived ethno-regional bias, and limited institutional reforms. Initiatives promoting inclusive governance and grassroots development remain largely symbolic rather than structural.
The paper concludes that the Tinubu Administration’s implementation of Section 15 is moderate but insufficient, with an overall performance rating of 40%. It recommends that the administration move beyond declaratory support to concrete institutional, legal, and socio-economic measures that advance genuine national integration and constitutional fidelity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Author(s):
HASSAN Abdulhamid.
Page No : 48-72
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Disaster Management and Human Security: A Study of Kadsema and the Management of Flood Disasters in Kaduna State, 2015-2023
Abstract
Flood disasters remain one of the most pervasive and destructive natural hazards globally, posing significant threats to lives, livelihoods, and national stability. In Nigeria, recurrent floods particularly in Kaduna State have intensified in frequency and impact due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including climate change, poor urban planning, and weak institutional capacity. This study examines the role of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) in managing flood disasters and enhancing human security within Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Igabi Local Government Areas. Anchored on the Structural Functionalism theory, the research analyzes how institutional functions, coordination mechanisms, and resource capacities influence disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in the state.
Adopting a survey research design, the study utilized questionnaires, interviews, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings reveal that while KADSEMA has made progress in public sensitization, collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and limited use of early warning systems, its overall effectiveness remains constrained by poor funding, bureaucratic delays, weak inter-agency coordination, and inadequate community engagement. These institutional challenges have undermined timely response efforts and heightened the vulnerability of flood-affected populations, thereby threatening multiple dimensions of human security economic, food, health, and environmental.
The study underscores that effective flood disaster management is inseparable from human security, as both aim to safeguard life, dignity, and livelihoods. It argues for a paradigm shift from reactive relief interventions to proactive, community-centered disaster risk reduction approaches. Recommendations include strengthening KADSEMA’s autonomy and funding, improving data management and early warning dissemination, integrating gender-sensitive policies, and enhancing synergy between government, communities, and development partners. Ultimately, building institutional resilience and embedding human security principles within disaster governance are vital for sustainable flood management and national stability in Nigeria.
Keywords: Flood Disaster Management, Human Security, KADSEMA, Kaduna State, Structural Functionalism, Disaster Governance, Resilience.
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Author(s):
Mohammed Sani Abbas.
Page No : 73-94
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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Maritime Security in Nigeria
Abstract
This study explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance maritime security in Nigeria, a nation facing persistent threats such as piracy, oil theft, and illegal fishing. Despite global advancements in AI-driven maritime surveillance, Nigeria lags in adoption due to infrastructural, regulatory, and institutional limitations. The research employs a qualitative, exploratory approach using secondary data from academic, governmental, and industry sources. Thematic analysis revealed that while AI offers tools for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and autonomous patrol systems, Nigeria’s fragmented data architecture and low digital readiness hinder implementation. Comparative analysis with global case studies highlights the uniqueness of Nigeria’s context and the need for localized solutions. The study recommends phased AI adoption, public-private partnerships, capacity building, and regulatory reform to support integration. Findings contribute to the discourse on intelligent maritime governance and propose a framework adaptable to other developing maritime states.
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Author(s):
JIMOH Olalekan Idowu, ADEJOBI Adeolu Oluwaseun.
Page No : 95-116
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Education as a Driver of National Development in Nigeria: Rethinking Human Capital and Policy Implementation
Abstract
Education remains a cornerstone of national development, serving as the foundation for human capital formation, innovation, and sustainable growth. In Nigeria, however, despite numerous education policies and reforms, the sector continues to face systemic challenges that hinder its contribution to national development. This study critically examines education as a driver of national development in Nigeria, with a focus on rethinking human capital development and policy implementation. The key research problem lies in the persistent gap between educational policy formulation and practical implementation, which has led to poor learning outcomes, skill mismatches, and limited economic productivity. Guided by the Human Capital Theory and the Modernisation Theory, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data analysis from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), UNICEF and UNESCO reports with qualitative insights from policy documents and stakeholder discussions. Findings reveal that inadequate funding, policy inconsistency, poor governance, and weak monitoring frameworks remain major barriers to effective education-driven development. The study argues that Nigeria’s education system must be repositioned through evidence-based reforms, improved teacher capacity, and alignment with labour market demands. The paper concludes by proposing the strengthening of institutional mechanisms for policy implementation, enhanced public-private partnerships, and digital innovation in learning as crucial steps toward transforming education into a powerful driver of national development.
Keywords: Education, Human Capital, Policy Implementation, National Development, Nigeria, Governance.
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Author(s):
AISHATU Adamu Peters, SUNDAY Adejo.
Page No : 117-138
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When Technology Turns Violent: Rethinking Human Security for Women in Nigeria
Abstract
Human security shifts the focus of protection from the state to the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals. In Nigeria, the rapid expansion of internet access and digital platforms has enabled new opportunities for communication, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. However, it has also created new forms of insecurity, particularly for women. Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a pervasive threat that undermines women’s freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the right to live in dignity. This study examines the intersection between human security and TFGBV in Nigeria, identifying how digital violence, such as cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual image circulation, deepfake manipulation, financial scams, and coordinated online defamation, translates into real-world harm. The study employs a qualitative methodology, relying on secondary data sources including academic literature, media reports, legal documents, and civil society publications, analyzed using content analysis. Findings show that TFGBV reinforces gender inequality, restricts women’s digital participation, fuels psychological and economic harm, and discourages women from engaging in public and political life. Case examples involving Nigerian women such as Kiki Mordi, Aisha Yesufu, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Dorothy Njemanze illustrate how online violence is both gendered and targeted. The study concludes that effective responses require legal reform, digital literacy education, enforcement of online safety policies, and cultural change to challenge misogynistic norms. The study contributes to knowledge by framing TFGBV as a human security challenge rather than merely a cybercrime issue, emphasizing the need for inclusive, safe, and equitable digital citizenship.
Keywords: Human Security; Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence; Digital Rights; Women; Nigeria; Online Safety; Gender Inequality
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Author(s):
MATHEW Paul Ufana.
Page No : 139-156
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Between Policy Rhetoric and Rural Realities: A Critical Political Economy Examination of Agricultural Reforms in Nigeria
Abstract
Agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy, yet decades of reforms have failed to substantially improve rural livelihoods. This paper critically examines the persistent gap between the rhetoric of agricultural policy and the lived realities of rural populations. Successive Nigerian administrations, influenced by global neoliberal frameworks, have introduced reforms such as Operation Feed the Nation, the Green Revolution Initiative, the Structural Adjustment Programme, Fadama Projects, and the Agricultural Transformation Agenda. These initiatives, while rhetorically promoting food security, rural empowerment, and modernization, often neglect structural issues like land insecurity, poor infrastructure, limited access to credit, and institutional weakness. This study uses a political economy lens to investigate the flaws in agricultural changes in Nigeria, exposing a major gap between policy rhetoric and the daily life of rural farmers. It draws attention to five main problems: lack of market access, dependency on import subsidies, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and insufficient support for small-scale farmers. Every one of these elements helps to marginalize rural farmers and so compromises the success of initiatives meant to change the agricultural economy. To close this gap, attention should switch to resolving underlying power dynamics, guaranteeing sustainable funding, maximizing subsidy schemes, improving market access, and assisting smallholder farmers via targeted policies and infrastructural initiatives. Successful agricultural transformation and inclusive rural development in Nigeria depends on a cooperative approach including several interested parties.
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Author(s):
Zakariyya MUHAMMAD ZAKARI.
Page No : 157-174
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Military Operations and Human Rights Violation in Borno State, Nigeria: An Assessment of Operation Lafiya Dole, 2015-2023
Abstract
The persistent insurgency in Borno State, Nigeria, has necessitated extensive military operations, notably Operation Lafiya Dole (2015–2023), aimed at restoring security and countering Boko Haram activities. However, these operations have been frequently associated with allegations of human rights violations, raising concerns about the balance between security imperatives and civilian protection. This study investigates the relationship between military operations and human rights practices in Borno State, with the objective of assessing the extent, patterns, and underlying causes of violations during Operation Lafiya Dole. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study relies on secondary sources, content analysis, and primary data collected through structured questionnaires (n=300), three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and twenty Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) involving military personnel, civil society actors, and community leaders. Findings indicate a significant correlation between military operations and human rights violations, with 62% of respondents affirming that security operations often resulted in arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and breaches of civilian rights. Qualitative insights reveal that operational pressures, intelligence gaps, and inadequate accountability mechanisms contribute to systemic human rights concerns, while secondary data from Amnesty International (2020) and the UN OHCHR (2022) corroborate these patterns. The study concludes that while Operation Lafiya Dole achieved tactical successes against insurgents, the human cost underscores the need for reforms in military training, oversight, and community engagement. Recommendations include strengthening human rights compliance, integrating ethical frameworks into counter-insurgency strategies, and fostering civil–military cooperation. This research contributes to knowledge by providing an empirically grounded analysis of the interplay between military operations and human rights, highlighting the necessity of aligning security initiatives with international humanitarian standards.
Keywords: Military operations, human rights violations, Operation Lafiya Dole, counter-insurgency, Borno State, civil–military relations, Nigeria
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Author(s):
ABDUSSALAM A. Aisha, PhD, OLALEKAN Taofeeq Babajide, ONIPE Joy.
Page No : 175-196
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Assessing Women and Youth Inclusion in ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture: Breaking Barriers for Regional Stability
Abstract
Women and youth are integral stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. While ECOWAS has adopted critical frameworks on women peace and security and youth policy in the sub region, there still exist gaps in their inclusion in vital decision-making positions on security governance. The paper therefore aimed to ascertain the level of women and youth involvement in ECOWAS peace and security architecture. It also seeks to identify the challenges affecting their inclusion and proffer recommendations to strengthen their participation in ECOWAS peace and security architecture for regional stability. Anchored on the human security theory which suggest that security should be people-cantered, and as such women and youth who are often the most affected by conflict, should be involved in ECOWAS peace and security architecture, data was sourced from secondary sources and the method utilised in collection was the documentary review and digital archives of ECOWAS and other relevant organizations. Analysis was conducted by grouping the data into relevant themes and examined using content analysis. Findings reveal that women and youth are included in ECOWAS peace and security architecture, often occupying advisory and supportive roles but not very visible in critical strategic decision-making roles. The challenges are more structural and political than institutional. It was also revealed that the ECOWAS has put in place strategies to enhance the capacity of women and youth in the subregion. Particularly, the gender development center of the commission has provided critical support to the integration of gender inclusive polices and political and social stability within the ECOWAS space. The study affirms that structural barriers are deeply rooted in patriarchal and cultural biases and such, recommends further strengthening of existing policies to with clearer enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
Keywords: Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention, ECOWAS Peace and Security framework, Regional Stability, Security Architecture.
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Author(s):
Juliana Joshua .
Page No : 197-215
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Impact of Farmer-Herder Conflict on Food Security in Karim-Lamido and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of Farmer-Herder Conflict on Food Security in Karim-Lamido and Lau LGAs of Taraba State. The paper therefore dwells on the causes farmer-herder conflict in Karim-Lamido and Lau LGAs, and the extent to which the conflict affects food production/security in these two LGAs. Mixed-method of data collection was utilized, through which questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data, and qualitative data were sourced through KII and secondary data. From data presentation and analysis, findings revealed that several factors are responsible for farmer-herder conflict in Karim-Lamido and Lau LGAs. The major factors are confrontation over land for farming and grazing of cattle, and lack of grazing routes for the herders. Findings also revealed that the conflict between farmers and herdsmen has affected food production in Karim-Lamido and Lau LGAs. However, based on the findings derived from the analysis, the paper concludes that the conflict between farmers and herdsmen has affected food security in Karim-Lamido and Lau Local Government Areas. One of the recommendations made by the paper is that, Taraba State government should fully implement the signed anti-open grazing law, as well as make provision for grazing routes for the herders.
Key Words: Security, Food Security, Conflict, Farmer-Herder Conflict, Taraba State
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Author(s):
Suleiman, Mohammed Saeed, Shehu, Ahmad, Shehu, Ibrahim Giwa.
Page No : 216-236
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Deconstructing Islam from Boko Haram: A Study of the Deceptive Strategy in Terrorism in Northern Nigeria
Abstract
The insurgency led by Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria has created profound socio-economic, political, and religious challenges, with the group often justifying its actions through a claimed adherence to Islamic principles. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing both primary and secondary data sources to analyze Boko Haram’s deceptive strategies and their implications for Northern Nigeria. This study also critically examines the deceptive strategies employed by Boko Haram, which manipulates and distorts Islamic teachings to legitimize violence and recruit followers. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates terrorism studies, communication theory, and theological analysis, the paper highlights how Boko Haram exploits religious texts, economic vulnerabilities, and social grievances to advance its agenda. The research underscores the stark contrast between the core tenets of Islam, which promote peace, education, and the sanctity of human life, and the violent ideology propagated by Boko Haram. By dissecting the group's rhetoric and actions, the study identifies key patterns in its use of propaganda, including the strategic targeting of Conventional or Western education and the use of digital platforms to amplify its message. This research also sheds light on the socio-economic repercussions of the insurgency in Northern Nigeria, including widespread displacement, loss of livelihoods, and the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure. Importantly, the study advocates for a comprehensive counter-strategy that combines theological counter-narratives, socio-economic development programs, and strengthened community resilience. By addressing the underlying factors that Boko Haram exploits, such as poverty, illiteracy, and marginalization, it is possible to undermine the group's influence and restore stability to the region. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on counter-terrorism and the deconstruction of extremist ideologies, emphasizing the importance of an authentic interpretation of Islamic teachings in combating the misuse of religion for violent purposes.
Keywords: Boko Haram, Deceptive Strategy, Deconstructing Islam, Northern Nigeria, Terrorism
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Author(s):
Egila Job Collins, Jibaniya Simon Awudu .
Page No : 237-255
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Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Farmer-Herder Conflict in Plateau State, Northcentral Nigeria (2013-2023)
Abstract
The fundamental objective of the paper is to evaluate the effect of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on farmer-herder conflict in Plateau State. To achieve this, the paper evaluates the extent to which the proliferation of SALW has affected farmer-herder conflict in Plateau State, and also recommends how the proliferation of SALW could be better controlled in order to address the issue of farmer-herder conflict in Plateau State. The paper adopted the Social Conflict Theory. With respect to the research methodology, out of the four hundred (400) questionnaires distributed, three hundred and eighty-two (382) were retrieved and used for data presentation and analysis. On the other hand, twenty-two (22) key informants were interviewed. Based on data presentation and analysis, findings revealed that, there is a link between proliferation of small arms and light weapons and farmer-herder conflict in Plateau State, because the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has affected farmer-herder conflict in Plateau State by intensifying the conflict through the availability of arms. The findings are in line with the paper’s conclusion, which maintains that the availability of small arms and light weapons has intensified the conflict between farmers and herders in Plateau State. One of the recommendations made states that, the Federal Government of Nigeria should strengthen national firearms laws and regulations, impose licensing requirements, and carefully restrict their manufacture and transfer.
Key Words: Proliferation, Small Arms, Light Weapons, Farmer-Herder, Conflict.
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Author(s):
Christopher Basharu Obida, Elisha Emmanuel Maisamari.
Page No : 256-279
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An Analysis of the Trends in the Causes of Oil Spills in the Communities of the Niger Delta from 2010 – 2024
Abstract
The Niger Delta is one of the richest oil producing regions of the world, accounting for a vast oil and gas reserve. It accounts for over 80% of Nigeria’s foreign earnings. However, the region is replete with pervasive oil spills occurrence, with grave economic, social and environmental consequences. Many studies have explored the dynamics of oil extraction and spills in the region. What has not been done is an analysis of the putative causes of oil spills over a long period. In this study, statistical and mapping techniques were applied to an extensive database of oil spills from 2010 – 2024. The study objectives include: (i) To identify and categorize the main causes of oil spills in the Niger Delta, (ii) To assess the temporal trends of oil spills causes, (iii) To identify the relationship in the trends of oil spills causes, (iv) To determine the spatial patterns and (v) To identify oil spills hotspots in the region over the study period. Over the study period, sabotage, operational and “other” categories were identified as major causes of oil spills, each accounting for 79%, 16% and 5% of total oil spills occurrence respectively. A significant temporal variation exist in the scale and frequency of the causes of oil spills, with 2013 and 2020 accounting for the highest and lowest prevalence rates respectively. There is a weak correlation between the occurrence of sabotage as the leading cause of oil spills and operational and other causes (0.2 and 0.4), while there is a strong correlation of 0.8 between the operational and other causes. The study also showed there is no statistical trend in the occurrence of sabotage with an R2 value of 0.01, while there is a decreasing trend in the occurrence of operational and others causes of oil spills. Communities in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states represents the worst affected in terms of spills hotspots in the Niger Delta. These findings provides a framework for the holistic characterization of the causes of oil spills in the Niger Delta. Therefore, the study could facilitate targeted anti-sabotage measures and improvements in operational safety and maintenance culture. It could further form the basis for future stricter regulatory and policy framework for the region, setting grounds for future in depth study of political and socio-economic drivers of oil spills occurrences.
Keywords: Oil spills, Sabotage, Operational causes, Hotspots, Trends
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Author(s):
Musa Kabir Ugbede-Ojo.
Page No : 280-299
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Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Internal Security of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State
Abstract
The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has emerged as one of the most pressing security challenges confronting many local communities in Nigeria. This paper examines the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and its implications for internal security in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State between 2015 and 2024. The study investigates the factors responsible for the spread of these weapons, their impact on community safety, and the effectiveness of government and community responses. Using both primary and secondary data, the research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to explore how political instability, porous borders, youth unemployment, and weak law enforcement have contributed to the circulation of illicit arms in the area. Findings reveal that the easy accessibility of SALW has intensified communal clashes, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, thereby undermining peace, social cohesion, and local development. The study concludes that curbing SALW proliferation requires a multidimensional approach that combines effective border management, public awareness, youth empowerment, and strong institutional collaboration. It recommends that government, security agencies, and community stakeholders strengthen arms control measures and promote peacebuilding initiatives to restore sustainable security in Omala LGA.
Keywords: Small Arms, Light Weapons, Internal Security, Omala LGA, Kogi State, Proliferation
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Author(s):
Yaha Bitrus Bawa.
Page No : 300-315
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Effect Of Enforcement of Exams Malpractice on the Standard of SSCE in Taraba
Abstract
The persistent incidence of examination malpractice in some secondary schools in Taraba State has continued to undermine the integrity and credibility of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Despite various measures put in place to curb these malpractices, the problem remains widespread, prompting the need to assess the effectiveness of WAEC’s examination administration in improving examination standards in the state. The primary objective of the study is to examine the extent to which WAEC’s examination administration, particularly the enforcement of penalties for examination malpractice, has enhanced the quality and standard of SSCE candidates in Taraba State. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected using Google-based questionnaires and interviews. The study population comprised lecturers and students from three tertiary institutions in Taraba State, as well as the Head of Examinations at WAEC Jalingo and other examiners in the state, bringing the total population to 479 respondents. A sample size of 231 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size table, with an additional 10% added to account for non-responses, resulting in 228 valid responses used for analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that WAEC’s enforcement mechanisms significantly explain improvements in examination standards in Taraba State. The study concludes that maintaining high examination standards is essential for producing competent graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. It recommends stricter enforcement of penalties and the adoption of technologies such as biometric verification and surveillance systems to curb malpractice and enhance examination integrity.
Key Words: Enforcement, Malpractice, Standard
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Author(s):
Auwalu Musa.
Page No : 316-342
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Politicising Military Accountability in Nigeria: Legislative Reforms, Civil–Military Tension and National Security Implications
Abstract
The politicisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces represents a critical threat to national security and democratic governance. This paper examines the implications of the Nigerian Senate’s proposed amendment to the Armed Forces Act, which seeks to make military officers directly answerable to elected and appointed officials. The research is contextualised through the 2025 confrontation between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the security officer attached to retired Chief of Naval Staff AVM AZ Gambo, a case that exemplifies the micro-level risks of political interference in military operations. The primary objective of this paper is to assess how political encroachment on military accountability affects professionalism, operational discipline and public trust in security institutions. The methodology is qualitative, relying on secondary sources, including scholarly literature, policy documents, news reports, and civil–military analyses. Content analysis was employed to interpret patterns of political interference and their implications for national security. Findings indicate that political actors’ informal interventions compromise military neutrality, weaken chain-of-command discipline, and risk transforming the armed forces into instruments of partisan interest. The Wike–Gambo incident demonstrates how everyday administrative disputes, if influenced by political authority, can escalate into security and governance challenges. The paper concludes that the proposed amendment, if enacted, could institutionalise political control over military personnel, with severe implications for national security. Recommendations include reinforcing legal safeguards, enhancing professional training, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and promoting transparency in governance. This research contributes to knowledge by linking legislative proposals, individual political interventions, and systemic civil–military risks, offering empirical and theoretical insights for policymakers, scholars, and security practitioners on preserving military neutrality in Nigeria.
Keywords: Nigerian Armed Forces, civil–military relations, political interference, national security, military accountability, FCT land dispute
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Author(s):
Chibuike Finbarr Azike.
Page No : 343-365
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Institutional Coordination and Maritime Governance in Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigates the role of institutional coordination in shaping maritime governance outcomes in Nigeria. Existing research often treats coordination as secondary to piracy, oil theft, or naval capacity, leaving a gap in understanding how inter-agency interactions affect coastal communities, human security, and livelihood outcomes.
A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted. Data were collected from 350 personnel across key maritime institutions and supplemented with purposively sampled Key Informant Interviews with senior officers, regulators, and coastal stakeholders. Institutional theory guided the analysis, examining how overlapping mandates, normative pressures, and weak inter-agency interactions influence operational effectiveness.
The study identified a critical human resources and coordination gap, with over 68 percent of respondents reporting overlapping mandates among maritime agencies and marine police, constraining operational efficiency. Coordination deficiencies were most pronounced at the operational and community engagement levels, with strategic committees rated as effective. These gaps delayed responses to piracy, illegal fishing, and oil theft and limited benefits to coastal communities.
Institutional coordination is central to effective maritime governance in Nigeria. Weak coordination reduces enforcement efficiency, undermines coastal livelihoods, and limits the translation of national security investments into human and economic security.
This study reframes institutional coordination as a governance variable linking security, regulatory enforcement, and coastal community welfare, extending scholarship beyond organizational compliance to tangible development outcomes.
Policymakers should harmonize agency mandates, strengthen operational structures, and integrate coastal community engagement to ensure sustainable maritime governance and development outcomes.
Keywords:
Institutional coordination, maritime governance, coastal communities, Nigeria, operational efficiency
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Author(s):
Umar Musa Aliyu.
Page No : 366-391
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Interagency Collaboration and Border Security Management in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines interagency collaboration and border security management in Adamawa State, Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in the literature on how operational coordination among security agencies affects subnational border governance. Prior studies focused on national policy or generalised border insecurity, while this research provides empirical evidence on the operational dynamics, challenges, and strategies for improving multi-agency cooperation in a conflict-prone border region. The main objective was to assess the nature, challenges, and impacts of interagency collaboration on border security management in Adamawa State. The study applied a phenomenological qualitative design, using purposive sampling to conduct Key Informant Interviews (15 participants from security agencies and stakeholders) and two Focus Group Discussions with 6–12 participants per group. Data were analyzed thematically and interpreted through the lens of Routine Activity Theory to link coordination failures with reduced guardianship and increased opportunities for offenders. The first finding identifies weak interagency collaboration characterized by overlapping mandates, poor intelligence sharing, and fragmented operations, which exacerbate border insecurity. The second finding highlights the critical role of community engagement and structured joint operations in enhancing surveillance, trust, and operational effectiveness. Recommendations drawn from the findings include establishing joint command centers, developing interoperable communication systems, conducting regular joint training, and integrating border communities into intelligence frameworks.
Keywords: Interagency Collaboration, Border Security Management, Adamawa State, Routine Activity Theory, Community Engagement
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Author(s):
Auwal Isa, Hajara Abubakar Isa.
Page No : 392-416
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Intelligence and National Security Strategy in Nigeria: Evaluating the Operational Role of the Defence Intelligence Agency
Abstract
National security has become one of the most critical concerns for states across the world, particularly in regions experiencing complex security threats. In Nigeria, the rise of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime has intensified the need for effective intelligence gathering and analysis to support national security strategies. Intelligence plays a vital role in threat identification, early warning systems, policy formulation, and operational decision-making for security agencies. As one of the key intelligence institutions in Nigeria, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is responsible for providing strategic and military intelligence to support the country’s defence and national security architecture. Despite the importance of intelligence in modern security governance, Nigeria continues to face persistent security challenges that raise questions regarding the effectiveness of intelligence coordination, information sharing, and operational capacity among security agencies. This study examines the role of intelligence in strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework, with particular emphasis on the operational contributions of the Defence Intelligence Agency. The study adopts a qualitative research approach based on the analysis of existing literature, policy documents, and institutional reports relating to intelligence operations and national security management in Nigeria. The findings highlight that intelligence remains a critical component of national security strategy, particularly in the areas of threat assessment, counterterrorism operations, and strategic security planning. However, the study also identifies challenges such as institutional coordination gaps, technological limitations, and capacity constraints affecting intelligence effectiveness. The study concludes by recommending stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved intelligence infrastructure, and enhanced professional training to strengthen intelligence-led national security management in Nigeria.
Keywords: Intelligence, National Security, Defence Intelligence Agency, Security Strategy, Nigeria.
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Author(s):
Emmanuel Rotimi Olonilebi.
Page No : 417-437
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Leadership and Counterinsurgency: Balancing Combat and Human Rights in Nigeria
Abstract
This study is titled leadership and counter insurgency, a study of balancing combat and human rights in Nigeria. The study examines the intricate balance between effective counterinsurgency (COIN) operations and the protection of human rights in north-eastern Nigeria, focusing on the Nigerian military’s campaigns against Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) between 2015 and 2024. The study had some basic research objectives that includes; to examine the relationship between balancing combat and human rights violations in combat situations, and to explain the role of military leadership in ensuring the balancing of combat situations and human rights in counterinsurgency operations. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research integrates interviews with military leaders, NGO personnel, and conflict-affected civilians, alongside focus group discussions and secondary data analysis. The study adopted the human security theory which is aimed at seeing security from the state centric aspect to a more humanistic aspect. Key findings revealed that military leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping operational outcomes, with ethical decision-making, accountability, and community engagement critical to minimizing harm. Conclusively, the study affirmed that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable peace in the face of insurgency depend not only on military strength but on the capacity of leadership to uphold the rule of law, ensure human rights compliance, and build inclusive security structures. Recommendations include enhanced leadership training in human rights compliance, robust oversight mechanisms, and partnerships with civil society to rebuild trust.
Keywords: Counterinsurgency, Military Leadership, Human Rights, Boko Haram, Nigeria, Human Security
