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Author(s):
Dr OL Onuorah, ONUORAH ONYEKA LEO.
Page No :
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
NDA JPSPS welcomes original and well-researched articles in political science, public policy, international relations, conflict and peace studies, security and strategic studies, governance and administration, political economy, gender studies, food security and other related disciplines with the view of enriching the body of knowledge. The manuscript should be concise as the topic, problem articulation, methods, results/findings and conclusion. Generally, the manuscript should not exceed 7000 words, including references (Research Articles). The authors are advised to strictly adhere to the format and style of the journal by carefully reading the notes for contributors before submitting their manuscripts.
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Author(s):
SANUSI LAWAL MUHAMMAD PhD, ADIGWE AUSTEEN NDUBUISI PhD, ADEBOWALE OLUWATOSIN.
Page No : 1-34
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RETHINKING REGIONAL SECURITY AND AFRICA’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES IN THE AGE OF STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT
Abstract
RETHINKING REGIONAL SECURITY AND AFRICA’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES IN THE AGE OF STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT
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Author(s):
OLUWADARE O. AYENI Ph.D, OGBETA, KINGSLEY OGHENEKEVWE, Ph.D.
Page No : 35-65
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CLIMATE-INDUCED DISASTERS AND GOVERNANCE RESPONSE IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Abstract
Abstract
This study examined the impact of climate-induced disasters on governance response in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods research design that combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study achieved three key objectives: identifying the major drivers of climate-induced disasters, assessing their effects on governance responsiveness and effectiveness, and analysing the challenges confronting governance institutions. Findings revealed that a complex interplay of human-induced, institutional, and environmental factors—particularly deforestation, poor urban planning, weak regulatory enforcement, and oil exploration activities, significantly contributes to the region's frequency and intensity of disasters. Furthermore, the study found systemic governance challenges hinder effective disaster response, including fragmented institutional coordination, inadequate human and financial resources, and weak policy implementation. Flooding emerged as the most statistically significant predictor of reduced governance effectiveness, while moderate rainfall was linked to improved response, likely due to enhanced early warning systems. The study concludes that climate-induced disasters in the Niger Delta reflect deep-rooted governance deficits, highlighting the need for coordinated and adaptive institutional frameworks.
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Author(s):
ALI MOHAMMED RABIU , GARUBA OJO FREDERICKS.
Page No : 66-79
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ROLE OF LEGISLATURE IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND RESOURCE CONFLICT PREVENTION
Abstract
Abstract
This paper examined the role of legislature in climate change mitigation and resource conflict prevention. The likelihood that resource conflicts and climate change are related is becoming more widely acknowledged. Dramatic shocks brought on by climate change are worsening migration, natural disasters, and conflicts nationwide. It has provided the humanitarian, security, and intelligence communities credible basis to establish a nexus between natural resource conflict and climate change, with states in northern and southern Nigeria facing increasingly more nuanced perspective. Securitization theory is adopted for this paper. It holds that political issues that are deemed dangerous, menacing, threatening, alarming, and other extreme security issues by a securitizing actor who possesses the institutional and social power to elevate the issue above politics needed to be addressed immediately. Secondary data acquired from symposiums, seminar papers, journal articles, monographs, periodicals, and textbooks were utilized in the study. The data was gathered and analyzed using the content analysis. This paper concluded that climate change and resource conflict are not mere environmental concern but significant economic, social and security issues as well which threaten national productivity, exacerbate poverty and inequalities and imperil human and national security. It recommended for Nigeria’s legislature to provide requisite legislative framework to allow for transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to mitigate climate change as well as adoption of more efficient agricultural practices as a way to prevent resource conflict.
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Author(s):
GIDEON PELUMI ADEJUMO, MOHAMMED NGOZI THELMA, PhD.
Page No : 80-99
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FARMER-HERDER CONFLICTS AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF OYO STATE
Abstract
Abstract
The paper discusses the farmer-herder conflicts in Oyo State, Nigeria, between 2011 and 2023, the causes of the conflicts, security management, and the effectiveness of the security management in curbing violence. Farmer-herder conflicts are a complex security and development problem that is mainly fuelled by the competition of the remaining natural resources such as land and water which is worsened by the degradation of the environment, population growth and the breakdown of the traditional conflict management systems. The focus of this paper is on three local government areas, Ibarapa North, Iseyin, and Afijio, which represent different socio-ecological settings and conflict dynamics. The paper uses Frustration-Aggression Theory to understand the role of blocked socio-economic goals in promoting aggression and Security Governance Theory to comprehend the changing multi-actor and multi-level security management system. The study synthesises secondary data based on various academic and policy sources using a qualitative systematic literature review methodology. Results indicate that state initiatives, such as the formation of local security outfits such as Amotekun and the Oodua People Congress, and anti-open grazing legislation have not been effective in preventing conflicts because of ineffective coordination, institutional flaws, corruption, and non-inclusivity in policymaking. Violent confrontations have also led to huge economic losses, displacement, and social fragmentation. The paper concludes that sustainable peace in Oyo State requires integrative security governance that incorporates enhanced land management, participatory governance, community-based conflict management, and socio-economic development programmes. It is a comprehensive remedy that is required in the rebuilding of confidence between farmers and herders and sustainable stability in the area.
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Author(s):
NA’IMA HARUNA IZGE, ELIZABETH AISHATU BATURE, PhD.
Page No : 101-123
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CIVILIAN JOINT TASK FORCE AND COUNTER-INSURGENCY OPERATIONS IN BORNO STATE (2015–2025)
Abstract
Abstract
The escalation of Boko Haram insurgency in Northeastern Nigeria since 2009 prompted diverse state and community responses, among which the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) emerged as a decisive non-state security actor. This study presents a systematic literature review of the CJTF’s role in counter-insurgency operations in Borno State between 2015 and 2025. Using structured searches across academic databases, grey literature, and policy documents, the review applies inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed works, reports, and studies addressing operational, governance, and socio-political dimensions of the CJTF. The thematic analysis reveals four dominant findings. First, the CJTF provided substantial operational contributions through intelligence gathering, local knowledge, and combat support, enhancing military effectiveness. Second, its activities raised significant human rights concerns, including allegations of extra-judicial killings, forced recruitment, and sexual violence, thereby undermining community protection. Third, challenges in governance, legal recognition, and professionalisation highlight the ambiguities of hybrid security arrangements in fragile states. Finally, the absence of comprehensive disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) frameworks poses long-term risks of militia re-mobilisation and insecurity. The review concludes that while the CJTF has been instrumental in reducing Boko Haram’s territorial control, it also complicates Nigeria’s security governance and transitional justice efforts. Policy implications include the need for formalised engagement, legal accountability, gender-sensitive DDR programmes, and integration into broader security sector reform. Identified research gaps call for longitudinal, comparative, and community-level studies to assess the CJTF’s evolving role. This review contributes to scholarship on hybrid security governance and provides policy-relevant insights into managing non-state armed groups in counter-insurgency contexts.
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Author(s):
GIDEON TEMITOPE AJETUNMOBI.
Page No : 124-150
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STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND COUNTER-TERRORISM IN NIGERIA (2010 – 2023)
Abstract
Abstract
This study examines the role of strategic communication in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts between 2010 and 2023. Against the backdrop of persistent security threats posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), the research investigates how communication strategies have been employed by the Nigerian government to counter terrorist propaganda, shape public perception, and foster civic resilience. Anchored on Clausewitz’s Trinitarian Theory and adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study draws on data from structured questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and policy document analysis to assess the effectiveness, challenges, and implementation gaps of strategic communication within Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework. Findings reveal that while strategic communication is acknowledged as an essential non-kinetic tool in the fight against terrorism, its application remains fragmented, reactive, and insufficiently localised. Terrorist groups have successfully utilised digital platforms and community narratives to influence and radicalise vulnerable populations, often outpacing government responses. Moreover, inter-agency rivalry, limited technological capacity, underfunding, and poor community engagement have significantly undermined the impact of state-led communication efforts. The study further identifies that public trust in official counterterrorism messaging is low, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions. The study concludes that for Nigeria’s strategic communication to effectively complement its kinetic operations, it must be institutionalised, community-based, and technologically adaptive. Key recommendations include the modernisation of digital communication infrastructure, strengthening of inter-agency coordination, integration of grassroots voices, and capacity building for media actors.
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Author(s):
MOHAMMED JAFAR SULEIMAN, NACHANA’A ALAHIRA DAVID, PhD, LAWAL SANUSI MUHAMMAD, PhD.
Page No : 151-175
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BORDER POROSITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY: A STUDY OF STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF BORDER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Abstract
The persistent challenge of border porosity in Nigeria poses a significant threat to national security, enabling transnational crimes, illegal migration, arms trafficking, and insurgent infiltration. This study critically examines the strategies and operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s border management agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and other security outfits tasked with safeguarding territorial integrity. The paper employs a qualitative case study approach, drawing on triangulated data sources including policy documents, operational field reports, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders across border communities and security institutions. Content analysis is used to interpret institutional narratives, while thematic coding identifies patterns in inter-agency coordination, technological deployment, and policy implementation. The study is anchored in the Securitization Theory, which frames border governance as a process through which state actors construct and respond to perceived threats. This theoretical lens allows for a critical examination of how security discourses shape institutional responses and justify exceptional measures in border control. The findings reveal systemic weaknesses, including inadequate surveillance infrastructure, corruption, and fragmented command structures, which undermine the agencies’ performance. The study concludes by proposing a multi-layered approach to border governance emphasizing regional cooperation, intelligence-led operations, and investment in smart border technologies as essential to mitigating the risks posed by porous borders and enhancing Nigeria’s national security architecture.
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Author(s):
ROSALINE CHRISTOPHER, MOHAMMED NGOZI THELMA, PhD.
Page No : 176-196
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INSURGENCY, INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT AND THE REHABILITATION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN TEACHERS’ VILLAGE AND BAKASSI IDP CAMPS OF BORNO STATE.
Abstract
Abstract
This study examines the causes, consequences, and rehabilitation challenges of the insurgency led by Boko Haram on vulnerable populations in Borno State, with particular focus on internally displaced women and children in Teachers Village and Bakassi IDP camps. The research adopts an exploratory design and relies on secondary sources of data, including books, journal articles, and official reports from government and international agencies. The study identifies structural poverty, youth unemployment, weak governance, and religious extremism as major drivers of the insurgency. It further establishes that the conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of livelihoods, disruption of education, gender-based violence, and severe psychological trauma, disproportionately affecting women and children. The findings reveal that although the Federal and State Governments, alongside international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF, have implemented various rehabilitation programs, including shelter provision, psychosocial support, skills acquisition, and educational interventions, these efforts remain constrained by operational, financial, institutional, and security challenges. Persistent insecurity, funding gaps, poor coordination, and weak institutional capacity continue to hinder sustainable reintegration and long-term recovery. The study concludes that a holistic and integrated approach that addresses both the root causes of insurgency and the long-term socio-economic and psychological needs of displaced women and children is essential for durable peace and development in North-Eastern Nigeria.
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Author(s):
EMMANUEL SHAAPERAH, BENETHE DOOSHIMA DEWUA.
Page No : 197-214
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DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION IN POST-COLONIAL AFRICA: CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE
Abstract
Abstract
Many African countries continue to face persistent governance challenges that impede effective development administration, including corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, weak institutional capacity, and limited citizen participation. These challenges hinder policy implementation, compromise service delivery, and undermine socio-economic development outcomes. This study investigates the nature of development administration in post-colonial Africa, identifies the principal governance obstacles, and explores strategies to enhance administrative effectiveness. Guided by Dependency and Neopatrimonialism theories and employing structured questionnaires as the primary data collection instrument, the study finds that corruption, political interference, and weak institutional frameworks significantly delay projects, reduce coordination, and constrain access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency and accountability, engaging stakeholders, and implementing systematic monitoring emerged as critical measures for improving policy execution and ensuring equitable developmental outcomes. Addressing these governance challenges is essential for enhancing administrative performance, improving public service delivery, and fostering sustainable socio-economic development in post-colonial African states.
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Author(s):
OLANIYI PIUS OKI.
Page No : 215-237
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THE FORMATION OF A NEW ALLIANCE POST-ECOWAS EXPULSION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN WEST AFRICAN SECURITY
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the shifting security dynamics in West Africa following the expulsion of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS due to recent military takeovers. The resurgence of military governments in these nations has led to the formation of a strategic alliance, posing significant challenges to regional stability and security. Utilizing the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) by Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver, the study examines how security threats are interconnected within the region, creating a "security complex" that influences regional and international responses. The research employs a descriptive and analytical methodology, relying on qualitative data from secondary sources such as academic journals, reports, and news articles. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the strategic realignment of these countries and the consequences of their alliance on regional governance, security frameworks, and the capacity of ECOWAS to uphold democratic standards. The study also evaluates the role of external powers and non-state actors in shaping West Africa's security landscape. The findings underscore the need for a redefined security strategy that addresses the root causes of instability, including governance failures, economic difficulties, and the influence of extremist groups. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation and promoting sustainable governance in West Africa
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Author(s):
ROLAND AIWONE, MAGAJIYA TANKO, PhD.
Page No : 238-265
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ROLE OF LOCAL SECURITY OUTFITS AND THE KADUNA STATE VIGILANCE SERVICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BANDITRY IN KADUNA STATE
Abstract
Abstract
This article examines the escalating challenge of banditry in Kaduna State, Nigeria, focusing on the role of local security outfits, especially the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), in addressing this threat. Using Securitization Theory as the analytical framework, the study explains how banditry is framed as a security issue through political discourse and practice. Employing a qualitative approach based on secondary data analysis, the research draws from diverse sources, including academic literature, government reports, policy documents, and media accounts, to assess the effectiveness, structure, and limitations of KADVS and community policing initiatives. The findings reveal that KADVS has secured some successes in intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and rescuing abductees. However, its overall impact is limited by challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient training, and weak coordination with formal security agencies. The study also critiques the partial implementation of community policing policies, emphasizing the lack of genuine community engagement and transparency. Further concerns arise from the proliferation of informal vigilante groups, which often operate without clear accountability or respect for human rights. Structural factors like poverty, youth unemployment, poor governance, and marginalization are identified as root causes sustaining the banditry menace. The article concludes that while local security outfits and community policing are vital components in the fight against banditry, they require systemic reforms, adequate resources, and effective institutional oversight to function effectively. It recommends adopting a comprehensive, community-centred security framework aligned with democratic principles, and one that also addresses the underlying socio-economic conditions driving insecurity in Kaduna State.
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Author(s):
OLOWONIGBA DELE ADENIYI.
Page No : 266-279
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THE CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC
Abstract
Abstract
Religious conflicts in Kaduna State have been a persistent challenge, particularly in the Fourth Republic. These conflicts have resulted in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of communities, and long-term socio-economic disruptions. Kaduna State, being one of Nigeria’s most religiously diverse regions, has experienced recurrent violent clashes between Christians and Muslims, often triggered by deep-seated grievances, political manipulations, and economic disparities. This study explores the root causes of religious conflicts in Kaduna State using the Social Conflict Theory as a theoretical framework. The analysis identifies key drivers such as religious intolerance, fanaticism, media influence, poverty, wrong religious orientation, illiteracy, and external religious influences. Religious intolerance and fanaticism have fueled hostilities, often exacerbated by provocative religious teachings and extremist ideologies. The media, particularly social media, has played a crucial role in escalating tensions through the spread of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. Economic deprivation has made young people susceptible to radicalization, while illiteracy and misguided religious teachings have deepened religious divisions. Additionally, external influences, including foreign funding and ideological imports, have contributed to the radicalization of religious groups. The findings of this study suggest that religious conflicts in Kaduna State are the result of a combination of socio-political, economic, and ideological factors. To mitigate these conflicts, the study recommends interfaith dialogue, media regulation, poverty alleviation programs, educational reforms, and policy enforcement. Addressing the root causes through a multi-faceted and holistic approach is essential for achieving sustainable peace and religious harmony in Kaduna State.
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Author(s):
ECHERE PAUL ISAH.
Page No : 280-310
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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL CYBER DEFENCE: PERSPECTIVES FROM MILITARY CYBER SECURITY WITHIN OPERATION SAFE HAVEN IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Abstract
The emergence of cyberspace as a strategic domain has transformed national security, compelling militaries to integrate cyber defense capabilities into internal security operations. This study examines the role of strategic leadership in enhancing military cyber readiness within Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative data were collected through interviews with military officers and personnel, while secondary sources provided insights into policy frameworks and technological adoption. The study is anchored on Transformational Leadership Theory, emphasizing the dimensions of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration as key determinants of operational effectiveness in cyber-enabled contexts. Findings reveal that transformational leaders who articulate a compelling vision, foster innovation, and provide individualized support significantly improve compliance with cybersecurity protocols, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen operational resilience. The study further identifies technological innovation, human capital development, and interagency collaboration as critical enablers of effective cyber readiness, while institutional challenges, including policy implementation gaps, limited resources, and coordination deficits, impede operational efficiency. Discussion highlights that cyber readiness is not solely contingent on technological sophistication but is intrinsically linked to leadership practices that integrate doctrine, personnel, and emerging technologies. The study concludes that strategic leadership, particularly transformational leadership, is pivotal in bridging the gap between national cyber defense policies and practical implementation in internal security operations. Recommendations include institutionalizing transformational leadership practices, enhancing doctrinal clarity, investing in human capital, promoting technological integration, and fostering interagency and public-private collaboration. By emphasizing the synergy between leadership, technology, and organizational capacity, the study contributes to understanding how Nigerian military operations can strengthen cyber resilience and operational effectiveness in a digitally contested internal security environment.
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Author(s):
IDISIRE JONATHAN TIKON.
Page No : 311-340
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LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR COUNTER TERRORISM OPERATIONS IN NORTH EAST NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of social media has transformed the landscape of terrorism and counter-terrorism globally, providing both opportunities and challenges for security agencies. In North-East Nigeria, terrorist groups such as Boko Haram have extensively leveraged platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Telegram to disseminate propaganda, recruit members, and coordinate attacks, undermining conventional military efforts. This study examined the role of social media in enhancing counter-terrorism operations, with a particular focus on Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State. Guided by four objectives, the research explored patterns of terrorist social media use, assessed the extent of social media integration in Operation Hadin Kai, identified technological, institutional, legal, and ethical constraints, and proposed context-specific strategies for optimizing social media utilization. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining survey data from security personnel and stakeholders with Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to provide qualitative depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were analyzed through content analysis. Findings reveal that terrorists exploit social media for propaganda and recruitment, while Operation Hadin Kai has partially integrated digital tools for intelligence gathering, counter-narratives, and strategic communication. Challenges identified include inadequate personnel training, limited technological capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, legal restrictions, and ethical concerns. The study concludes that strategic, ethically grounded, and context-specific social media measures, including capacity building, technological investment, inter-agency collaboration, ethical guidelines, and community engagement, can significantly enhance non-kinetic counter-terrorism operations. The findings contribute to understanding how social media can complement kinetic strategies, strengthen intelligence-led operations, and foster resilience against radicalization, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in Nigeria and similar conflict-affected regions.
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Author(s):
ONUORAH ONYEKA LEO, PhD, JOSHUA JULIANA.
Page No : 341-355
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HIGHER EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Abstract
This paper examined effect of higher education and human capital development on National Development in Nigeria. It highlighted the fact that a nation develops in relation to its achievement in education. This explains why contemporary world attention has focused on education as an instrument for launching nations into the world of science and technology resulting in human advancement, in terms of living conditions and development of the environment. This paper adopted a survey research design and the targeted population was two hundred and eighty five (285) academic staff of Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. A sample size of two hundred (200) academic staff of the academy consists of fifty (50) respondents each from four faculties; while purposive sampling technique was adopted in obtaining the sample size. The implication of the paper is that education is the life wire of a nation that leads to great growth and development, as no nation rises above its standard of education. Therefore, Nigeria needs to appraise its present educational system and introduce innovations that would ensure it competes favorably with global standards. This paper concludes that higher education is indispensable for the development of human capital that has the capability to transform an economy significantly and assists the country compete with others emerging economies. Among others this paper recommends that the Nigerian government must bridge the gap that exists between the crisis saturated university system and the students’ who will become the national developers, change exponents and development crusaders.
