INSECURITY; THE CHALLENGES TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL FRAMEWORKS ON SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria’s security situation appears to have defiled all efforts to nip it in the bud. In recent times, Nigeria has been faced with unprecedented myriad of security challenges ranging from kidnapping, boko-haram insurgency, armed robbery, banditry, herders/farmers clashes, political killings, crises, damage and looting of government and private property etc. No single day passes by without heart wrenching news and reports on incidents of insecurity in the country. As part of measures to address the security situation, there are already legal frameworks put in place by the government to ensure security and welfare of the citizens. Unfortunately, the implementation or enforcement of these laws has been fronted with challenges which appear to defeat the aim or purpose of the laws. This work therefore, analyzed the scourge of insecurity in Nigeria in recent times; the extant legal frameworks on security and the challenges to the enforcement of the legal frameworks on security with a view to proffering recommendations that will help the government address the challenges and menace of insecurity in Nigeria through effective implementation of the laws on security. The research adopted doctrinal method of research using primary, secondary and tertiary sources such as textbooks, journals, newspapers and internet materials. Findings show that, corruption, non- justiciability, undue political interference are some of the challenges to the implementation of the legal frameworks on insecurity in Nigeria. That, bad governance, lack of synergy among security personnel, porous borders are some of the underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria. The paper recommended timely collective re-awakening and amendment or review of some of the legal frameworks where applicable, to ensure effective enforcement and implementation of the legal frameworks on security Nigeria.