The Impact of the Niger Delta Crisis on Nigeria’s National Security

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Niger Delta crisis on Nigeria’s national security. The specific objective of the study was to examine the causes and consequences of the Niger Delta crisis, to ascertain the impact of the response of government to the crisis in the Niger Delta, and to ascertain the extent to which the crisis in the Niger Delta has impacted or influenced the increased threat to national security in contemporary Nigeria. The study made do with a library research which necessitates evaluation of both conceptual and empirical literatures. The conceptual and empirical literatures reviewed were used in drawing up conclusion. Having critically examined the empirical literatures, it was discovered the deprivation of the people of the region, the burden of devastated ecology, lack of basic socio-economic infrastructures, the demand for resource control, perceived collusion of the government with oil companies, government’s lack of commitment towards the welfare of the people provoke Niger Delta crisis, the study found alienation of the indigenes, loss of sense of nationhood, formation of associations, militancy/youth restiveness in the region, migration and displacement of the people are among the effect of the Niger Delta crisis, tt was also discovered that government responses by way of granting amnesty have to a very large extent reduce Niger Delta Crisis in Nigeria.

The study recommended that the government should strengthen the security arrangements in the region by improving collaboration between the police and local security including private and community based security organizations.