A Retrospect On Oil, State And Insurgency In Niger Delta Region And Its Implications For Nigeria’s National Security

Abstract

This study examines oil, state and insurgency in Niger Delta. Nigeria’s Niger Delta region is not only home to greater part of Africa’s largest mangrove forest, but also source of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Here, in this amazing network of creeks, and an aquatic splendour comprising marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystems, lie the operational bases of ethnic militia and insurgent organization dedicated to the socio-economic emancipation of the Niger Delta peoples. Thus, the Niger Delta area has become a hot bed of violence, insurgency, kidnapping, hostage- taking, oil pipeline sabotage, crude oil theft, gang wars, so much else by way of anarchy, chaos and other forms of criminality. The study examines some of the drivers of insurgency in Niger Delta to includes: the nature of politics, greed, alienation, government repressive policies and actions, poverty, foreign strategic interest, institutionalized corruption, environmental disaster among others are the key drivers of insurgency in the Niger Delta. In addition, the paper also highlights some of the implications of insurgency on national security to include: diversion and loss of national resources, environmental challenges, human rights violation etc. To this effect therefore, for a viable peace in the region, the state must make concerted efforts to the region’s key demand.