CONTEMPORY SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA AND ITS

EFFECTS ON THE NIGEIRAN YOUTHS

By

MR. ABUBAKAR UMAR MUH’D

(SUPER GREEN SECURITY NIGERIALIMITED NO. 22 ORO-AGO CRESCENT,

GARKI ABUJA)
WEBSITE: www@supergreensecurity.Com.ng
Email: info@ supergreensecurity.com.ng
Tel: 07069082452/07025246479

Being

A lecture presented at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Wamakko, Wamakko

Local Government Area, Sokoto State for Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) Corp Members.

MONDAY 19th FEBUARY. 2024

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 1:1 Introduction: Nigeria is bedeviled by many security challenges which deeply
affect social, political and economic of politics in the country. These challenges
which have religious, social, political and economic genesis are becoming
pandemic to youths development in Nigeria. It is based on this backdrop that this
paper made attempt to discuss some of these security challenges in Nigeria with
specific reference to their effects on the Nigerian youths.

1:2 Definitions of some Key Words: Security, challenges, Youths and Effects

Security: is a state of being free from danger or threat. A state of being certain,
safe and protective. It is step of being decency and having decent atmosphere.

Challenges: problems, forcing abnormalities to something, system, object or

anything that exist. Are obstacles that confront the security in Nigeria.

Youths: An early adulthood, usually refers to age between 18-35. Some consider a
40 years old as a youth.

Effects: Consequences, results, repercussions and aftermaths of an events, action

or scenario etc.

1:3 Relook at Some Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria:

I. Boko Haram Insurgency

II. farmers- Herdsmen clashes
III. Islamic Movement of Nigeria
IV. IDPs and their Security Challenges
V. Religious Extremism
VI. Economic Hardship
VII. Cyber Security Challenge
VIII. Kidnapping for ransom

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 IX. Secessionists agitation/ IPOB
X. Niger-Delta oil militancy
XI. Covid-19 pandemic
XII. Ethno-Religious conflicts
XIII. Smuggling of migrants and trafficking in person
XIV. Smuggling of light and small weapon
XV. Smuggling of hard drugs
XVI. Political Thuggery

1.4 Some Causes of Insecurity in Nigeria

i. Unemployment
ii. Issues of resource control
iii. Intensity politics
iv. Politics of the greeds
v. Bad implementation of political and economic policies
vi. Corruption
vii. Tribalism, Nepotism, Favoritism, Statatism, regionalism
viii. Religious extremism
ix. Neo-colonialism and its influence, etc.
x. Illiteracy

1.5 Responsibilities of Youths to Nation Building and security

I. Active political participation

II. Policy Formulation for Nation Building
III. Selfless Service Initiative
IV. Security Awareness
V. Youths Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

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 VI. Science Technology and ICT Development
VII. Mass Media Politics Development
VIII. Grassroots Political Development
IX. Community Service Development Initiative
X. Political Awareness
XI. Agricultural Development
XII. Poverty alleviation Programs and Initiatives
XIII. Political Ideology Initiatives
XIV. Promoting Education
XV. Promoting Sports
XVI. Act as Role Model

1.6 General Effects of Insecurities on Youths in Nigeria

I. Loss of lives of many youths and properties

II. Unemployment saga
III. Impact on morality of youths: many youths involved in crime as bandits, jail
breakers arm robbers, arm smugglers, drug traffickers e.t.c.
IV. Decline in business opportunities for youths.
V. Generated fear, anxiety and destruction in mind of the youths travelling in
the country.
VI. Effects on food security concerning the youths.
VII. Effect on youth education
VIII. Disease epidemics and control problem.

1.7 General Security Tips: At all times, be security conscious to avoid been
taken unaware

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 i. Ensure the safety of your residence – make sure you lock all the doors,
windows and gates of your house properly at all time.
ii. Don’t open your doors or gates to anybody in late hours until you properly
identify the person.
iii. Don’t enter lift or give out lift to any person you don’t know, be extra
careful if you are to do so.
iv. Be with your valid means of Identity everywhere you go.
v. Don’t make or answer your calls when in public.
vi. Be careful for who you may use as house girls, cleaners or personal aids
vii. Ensure the safety of your car
viii. Be aware of strangers and any suspicious person(s)
ix. Drive with care to ensure safety of yourself and the vehicle
x. Check your movement at places you frequent
xi. Know your environment and the general surroundings
xii. Avoid dark and lonely places at night
xiii. In the event of any incident keep calm and be vigilant. Do not allow fear to
overrun you.
xiv. Call for help when in distress
xi. Secure yourself first before others
xii. Safeguard valuable to prevent loss
xiii. Do not undermine any information that comes to you, seek for further
information.
xiv. Corporate with the security agencies to assist you.

1.8 Some Security tips At the Orientation Camp:

1. Don’t expose your identity and family background or socio-economic status

to anyone.

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 2. Be careful in selecting friends and partners.
3. Avoid extravagant life
4. Don’t subscribe to any unofficial social, tribal or economic association
5. Avoid Sneaking out or leave the camp unauthorized, lets your trusted friends
know about your movement
6. Be careful lobbying for lucrative posting desperately while in camp.
7. Abide by the rules and regulation governing the camp Entrance and be
discipline
8. Always be in company of other members, never stay alone
9. Play safe with obstacles in the camp.
10.Participate actively in all the camp activities
11.Avoid drunkenness
12.Report all kinds of terminal illness on arrival

1.9 Security Tips at Deployment

1. Don’t rush to leave your place of primary assignment immediately as you

reported. Travel at your own pace, getting settle in time gives you more
confidence and enhance your personal security (Safety and protection).
2. Look for a safe room in a moderate secure area as you must look for rent and
stay close to your place of primary assignment together with fellow corp
members.
3. Avoid taking an expensive room or house because you have the money, your
security-safety and protection matters
4. Avoid rent of a room or house close to motor parks, market places, night
clubs and such places of public gathering.
5. Try as much as you could to maintain a modesty life as soon as you were
deployed for primary assignment

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1.10 Security Tips at Place of Primary Assignment

1. Maintain your identity as corp member always and don’t identify yourself as
permanent staff of any place of primary assignment.
2. Do not partake in any flamboyant attitude with full time staff or compete
with them at your place of primary assignment or any other staff you may
meet during your service year.
3. Don’t loom quickly expressing your desire to be retained as permanent staff
in place of your assignment or negotiate offer as quickly as possible.
4. Avoid unnecessary travels and excursion to places that don’t have detail
information about their safety and protection.
5. Be very careful with certain adverts for lessons to various homes, sale
agents, part time jobs or establishing business.
6. Know your co-staff
7. Share your safety concern with colleagues they may be of helpful
8. Understand security procedures
9. Ensure you have phone contacts of security agents.
10.Be mindful in selecting your place of worship, make sure you do thorough
investigation of church or mosque you attend.
11.Avoid political discussion openly or identify yourself belonging to certain
group or political party during your primary assignment.
12. Show love and affection to culture you are working with.

1.11 Conclusion

It could be noted from the discussion so far that security challenges in Nigeria are
all encompasses and dominated all aspects of our daily life. So, the careful one
looks the better.

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 References

Audu A.A., (2021) Terrorism in Sahel Region, St Lious Press, New Delhi India.
Audu M. K., (2021) © insecurity in Northern Nigerian Oxford Press, London
Hassan, M.R., (2011) more of your personal security and Tips. Gaskiya Printers,
Zaria, Nigeria
Morie, Y.O, (2019) An Insecurity Causes in Nigeria. University Press, Nuskka,
Nigeria
Patrick, P. C. (2021) © insecurity in Northern Nigerian Oxford Press, London
Polmore, A.A., (2021) Terrorism in Sahel Region, St Lious Press, New Delhi
India.
Solomon, K.L., (2022), Non-Kenetic to Security Approach in Nigeria, Longman
printers, Victoria Island Lagos.