The Unknown Gunmen and National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

The study critically examines the notorious and anonymous armed group called the “Unknown gunmen” in relation to Nigeria’s national security. The study utilizes three sociological theories as tools of analysis in understanding the reasons for the emergence of this group, their motivations and consequences of their actions on national security as well as on the overall development of Nigeria. Consequently, the study reveals various reasons responsible for the emergence of this armed group, of which political marginalization and inequitable distribution of economic resources to sections of the Nigerian state, take preeminence. The study recommends, inter alia, the political inclusion of all component units in the Nigerian state as a way to foster a sense of belonging in Nigeria’s federal structure. Also, government policies at both the states and federal levels should address issues of unemployment and unequal distribution and access to economic resources of the nation among the citizenry. By this, we believe the monstrous problem of the unknown gunmen and its negative impacts on Nigeria’s national security would be drastically reduced if not eradicated.