Banking on Regional Security Agencies- Internal Security Challenges and Operation Amotekun in South West Nigeria

Abstract

In this modern and fast paced world, we live in, national security, especially internal security, is now more important than ever. It is, therefore, not an anomaly that internal security is one of the most popular subjects in the world today. Almost every day one hears about the senseless loss of life and property caused by terrorist activities and wars, not only in our country Nigeria, but also elsewhere in the world. In Nigeria, there is no disputation that despite the concerted efforts that have so far been made in tackling the internal security threats and challenges, the security problems are still very much with us. Thus, all over the country they are now posing great threats and challenges to our earnest efforts to maintain peace, security and promote national development.  There is no question that for peace, security and sustainable national development to be reasonably achieved in this country; and at the rapid pace and rate we are all expecting, there is need to tinker with the current national security architecture, especially as it concerns policing the entire Federation of Nigeria. Today, Nigeria is the only large country with a Federal System of Government that still operates a unitary police system.  Is a Unitary Internal Security and Police System (UISPS) in a large Federal System as Nigeria, not a misnomer?  Should the Unitary Internal Security and Policing System, be changed to a Regional Security and Policing Architecture?  Has the Unitary Security and Policing Architecture failed Nigeria, given that it has not been able to address effectively the growing security threats and challenges that are getting even more severe by the day in Nigeria?  Should Nigeria not be banking on the Regional Security and Policing Agencies’ Model, such as the Operation Amotekun, that has been started by the State Governors in the South Western Zone of Nigeria?  These are the questions that we have attempted to answer in this Paper.  The case of Operation Amotekun provides the substantive basis for this discussion.  We then conclude with some policy recommendations as the way forward that could hopefully tackle the growing security threats and challenges in and to Nigerian when implemented.