Examining the Primary Drivers of Security Intelligence Challenges in North-Western Nigeria

This research examined the fundamental factors driving security intelligence in northwestern Nigeria, specifically in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, from 2017 to 2023. The goal of the study was to investigate the key influences on security intelligence in this region. The work provided an opportunity to assess existing literature related to the topic. A significant gap in research was identified during the literature review, specifically the lack of attention given to the northwestern region, resulting in a research void that this study aims to address. The theoretical framework employed in this research was the theory of social disorganisation. Purposeful and stratified sampling techniques were employed, with an 86-person sample size comprising all respondents affiliated with the country’s secret security services (CID, NIA, SSS, and DMI). The study advocates for enhancing social cohesion by promoting inter-ethnic dialogue and trust-building initiatives. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of economic empowerment, suggesting investments in poverty alleviation programs to diminish susceptibility to criminal exploitation. Establishing community-based intelligence partnerships with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations is recommended to facilitate grassroots intelligence sharing. Institutional reforms are also necessary to address corruption and inefficiencies within the security and justice systems, to restore public trust. Incorporating these strategies into a comprehensive security framework could help address the intelligence issues troubling northwest Nigeria.