Security Challenges

Military coups have re-emerged as a major challenge to regional security and democratic governance in West Africa in the 21st century. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger have experienced repeated unconstitutional changes of government, raising concerns about political instability, weak institutions, insecurity, and the declining trust in democratic leadership. This study examines the causes, implications, and regional security consequences of military coups in West Africa. The study adopts a qualitative research approach using secondary sources such as journals, textbooks, reports, and online publications. It explores factors including poor governance, corruption, electoral irregularities, economic hardship, terrorism, and external influence as major drivers of military intervention in politics. The study further evaluates the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional bodies in managing conflicts and restoring democratic order. Findings reveal that recurring coups undermine regional integration, economic development, peace, and security efforts within the sub-region. The study concludes that strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, addressing insecurity, and improving socio-economic conditions are essential to reducing the occurrence of military coups and enhancing regional stability in West Africa.

This research investigates the socio economic impact on the use of vigilante in security challenges in Edo State. The objectives of the study were to: access the impact of the current security situation in Edo State; examine the medal operandi of the vigilante groups carry out their works; ascertain the socio-economic impact on the use of vigilante groups and make recommendation on how to make the vigilante group more effective in security management. This study is expected to provide relevant information to voluntary security agencies (Edo State Security Network) in community based security management and it will also assist in policy making to formulate policies on community based security issues. However, the research was carried out in four communities due to the large size of population of study. The four community are 3 rd Circular, Ogbe, Ibiwe, and Ikpema. The population of studies was People between the ages of 20 years and above resident in Oredo which was used as the population for the study. This is so because, constitutionally, 19years below are regarded as under age and therefore have no capacity for rational thinking. According to the National Population Census of 2006, Oredo L.G.A has a population of 212,877 people within the age
of 20 and above. The size used for the study on which questionnaire were administered is 120 to the population of indigenes in various communities. The sampling technique was used for the study was the random sampling technique. Data collection was retrieving from administered questionnaire from the indigenous people from four selected communities. The method employed for this research was the simple statistical method such as the simple percentage to deduce the effective and
interpret the further necessary discussions.

This study examines the effect of Boko Haram terrorism on the Nigerian economy. Boko Haram insurgency, which has persisted primarily in the northeastern region of Nigeria, has resulted in widespread insecurity, loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of economic activities. The insurgency has negatively impacted key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, trade, education, and infrastructure, thereby hindering national development and reducing investor confidence. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design and relies on both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to affected communities, business owners, and local government officials, while secondary data were obtained from journals, reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and publications on national security. Data were analyzed using statistical methods to determine the economic consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency. The findings reveal that Boko Haram terrorism has significantly disrupted economic activities, reduced agricultural production, increased unemployment, discouraged foreign and local investments, and contributed to the diversion of government funds from development projects to security expenditures. The study concludes that terrorism poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability. It recommends the implementation of stronger security measures, socio-economic development programs in affected regions, and effective counter-insurgency strategies to mitigate the adverse economic effects of terrorism.