INTERNAL INSECURITY IN NIGERIA, THE IRONY OF MULTIPLICITY OF SECURITY OUTFITS AND SECURITY CHALLENGES

There is paucity of literature on internal security in Nigeria unlike other forms of security. Nigeria, a populous country in Africa has put in place certain numbers of security outfits to protect lives and properties of its citizenry yet the trend of criminality and security challenges are on the increase on daily bases. This study examines the security challenges in the country and assesses the role of internal security outfit. The Nigerian Police are the preeminent outfit saddled with maintenance of internal security in Nigeria. Ironically, the multiplicity of security outfit breeds inefficiency with the overlapping functions of security agencies. This study rests on observation and secondary data. The study concludes that holistic approach is required for efficiency of security agencies. The study therefore recommends collaborative efforts of security organizations in the country while there is the urgent need for modern crime fighting equipment couple with the intelligence gathering technique. More eligible men must be recruited into the existing security outfits to meet up with increasing Nigeria population for better performance.