IMPACT OF BIGOTRY AND TERRORISM ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The impact of bigotry and terrorism on national security in Nigeria presents a serious and complex issue. Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, religious, and regional identities contribute to social tensions, which are sometimes exacerbated by discriminatory attitudes and systemic bias. Bigotry creates an environment where terrorism can thrive, as marginalized groups become more vulnerable to radicalization and insurgency. Furthermore, both bigotry and terrorism hinder national security efforts by fostering distrust and reducing cooperation with security agencies. The paper set out to address the question, how bigotry and terrorism interact to impact Nigeria’s national security, and what are the implications for governance and social cohesion? This analytical question makes up the objectives of the paper with an overarching drive to carry out a prima facie analysis of the impact of bigotry on terrorism and national security in Nigeria. The paper adopted Structural Violence Theory to explain the relationship among bigotry, terrorism, and national security. Qualitative research design was adopted and sampled various literature and events on the subject matter in reaching its conclusion. The paper assessed radicalization and recruitment, legitimization of extremist narratives, polarization and internal division, undermining intelligence and security efforts, and increased risk of domestic terrorism in addressing the subject matter. The paper proffered socioeconomic development in marginalized areas, community-led counter-radicalization initiatives, education reform and awareness campaigns, developing and promoting counter-narratives, engaging with religious leaders to dispel extremist ideologies, social media monitoring and intervention, interfaith and interethnic dialogue programs, and media responsibility and positive representation, as a way forward. Other proffered ways forward include civic education and national unity programs, bias-free policing and inclusive security practices, community-based intelligence networks, transparency and accountability in security operations, community resilience programs, and collaboration with international counter-terrorism agencies. The paper is expected to stimulate further research on the diverse impact of bigotry and terrorism on national security in Nigeria.