TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

From the beginning of colonialism in 1900 up to the end of the First Republic in 1966, Traditional Institutions kept the peace and maintained security in Nigeria through effective local conflict and security management. It is on record that over 80% of deadly crises in Nigeria within the last 100 years occurred after the Traditional Institutions were stripped of their security management powers by the Local government Reforms of 1976. Currently, insecurities of monumental dimensions are bedevilling the Nigerian Nation; and a veritable tool that could effectively assist in containing these insecurities is the Traditional Institution.
This Book chronicles the historical roles played by the Traditional Institutions in the maintenance of peace and the provision of security in their communities for centuries. The Book also chronicles the possible roles these Traditional Institutions in particular and all facets of the community in general could play today in conflict resolution, maintenance of peace, surveillance, prevention of crime and provision of security. This model, termed “Community Policing”, is the current best option for tackling the influx of militarily defeated Boko Haram insurgents who are getting embedded in the communities and attacking soft targets. The model could also serve in the containment of farmers/herders clashes, the control of livestock rustling, the prevention of Niger Delta militancy and the effective management of other security challenges in Nigeria.