Nigeria's Shift to Societal Security: Citizen Involvement

The article by Chibuik Njoku Ndu Nwokolo examines the transition from a state-centric security approach to a societal security paradigm in Nigeria. It emphasizes the changing role of citizens from passive recipients of security to active participants in safeguarding their communities.

The analysis highlights that traditional military responses to threats, such as insurgency and cross-border violence, are increasingly inadequate in the face of contemporary security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts. Data from Nextier Nigeria's violent conflict database indicates that from January to December 2025, there were 4,654 fatalities and 3,141 kidnapping victims across 1,274 incidents nationwide.

The article also discusses how social media and digital misinformation exacerbate security concerns, leading to increased state surveillance and restrictions on civil liberties. The need for a balanced approach that protects both security and civil rights is underscored as Nigeria navigates complex societal issues.