Security Challenges in Nigeria and Sustainable Development: A Focus on the Southeast Geo-Political Zone

Abstract

Security has become a major concern at global, regional and national levels. Our nation has to grabble with various forms of internal security issues over the past decade in all geo- political zones. The work is aimed at x-raying how security issues have affected sustainable development. The research adopts qualitative research method through secondary sources of data and documentary approach of data analysis. The theoretical discourse is on relative deprivation theory. The study found out that the marginalization of the Igbo region and military high handedness coupled with police brutality and excessive use of force on civilians are among the drivers of insecurity in the region. Wide spread injustice and impunity of the ruling class and the security apparatus, religious intolerance and purposeless leadership are top most danger to sustainable development. These challenges have impacted negatively on the socio-economic, infrastructural and general wellbeing of the people. The study therefore advocate for realignment of the Nigeria polity as well as strategic, fair and purposeful leadership both within the zone and the state al large to tackle the menace of insecurity.