A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF GLOBALIZATION AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is considered one of the countries most affected by insecurity in Africa, grappling with multiple forms of violence, including kidnapping, herdsmen-farmer clashes, armed banditry, inter and intra-communal conflicts, tribal clashes, terrorism, and other related threats. Although all six geopolitical zones are affected, the situation is particularly severe in North East Nigeria, the birthplace of the notorious Boko Haram insurgency, where millions have been killed and displaced. A plethora of scholarly interventions has sought to identify the causes of insecurity and propose solutions. Previous studies have examined the roles of poverty, bad governance, political will, training and equipping of law enforcement agents, and strengthening the criminal justice system in addressing insecurity. However, limited research has explored the nexus between insecurity and the consequences of globalization, such as advancements in weapons, information and transportation technology, and the economic challenges facing countries in the Global South. Existing empirical studies tend to focus narrowly on poverty without connecting it to globalization. This study employs an analytical method to explore the contribution of globalization to insecurity in North East Nigeria. Findings reveal that the consequences of globalization including improvements in communication and transportation, as well as economic hardship in the Global South have significantly contributed to insecurity in the region. Based on these insights, the study recommends that the federal government allocate all budgeted financial resources for sophisticated weaponry, implement effective compensation schemes for personnel and their families, and prioritize these measures as a more effective approach to combating insurgency in North East Nigeria.