EMBAR

Author:
Agugo William O.
Faculty of Law, Abia State University, Uturu

DOI: doi.org/10.58924/rjhss.v5.iss1.p9

Published Date: 12-Feb, 2026

Keywords: Insecurity, Human Rights, Banditry, Herdsmen Attack, Kidnapping

Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between insecurity and human rights in Nigeria, and specifically banditry, attacks of the Fulani Herdsmen and kidnapping. Despite constitutional and international guarantees of certain fundamental rights, high incidences of violent crimes continue to severely infringe on citizens’ rights to life, liberty, security, and property. In taking a conceptual and qualitative research design that is informed by frustration–aggression theory and human security, the study analyses archival literature, government documents, and scholarly works to understand the socio-economic, legal, and governance dimensions of insecurity. The study found that violence has been exacerbated by factors like porous borders, easy access to small arms, weak institutions and governance. This violence has displaced people, disrupted livelihoods, eroded social cohesion and inhibited investment. Although legal and institutional frameworks such as, the Constitution, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and, the National Human Rights Commission Act exist to provide necessary frameworks to protect and provide redress for affected individuals, the actual enforcement of the rule of law has been very weak in Nigeria. The article recommends greater security sector reform, greater transparency in governance, promoting community resilience, and integrating human rights protection in security policies and actions. Ultimately, in order to achieve sustainable peace and security in Nigeria, authorities will need to work in a coordinated manner that strives to connect security operations with socio-economic development and inclusive governance that address the underlying causes of insecurity, while fulfilling the rights and dignity of citizens.

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