UNGOVERNED SPACES AND ESCALATING INSECURITY IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

From the beginning of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has faced numerous security challenges in various dimensions. These security challenges range from the Niger Delta crisis, to the Ethno-religious crisis in Northern Nigeria, to the secessionist agitation by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to terrorism and banditry like Boko Haram, Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), Herdsmen, Unknown Gunmen, etc. The bulk of the problem occurs in unoccupied or less occupied areas, rural areas, and areas with limited government presence, referred to as ungoverned spaces. This is partly due to Nigeria’s large landmass, unpopulated areas, and the absence of adequate human or technological security coverage in these regions. Consequently, criminals frequently exploit these ungoverned spaces, characterised by minimal law enforcement, rugged terrain, poor infrastructure, and porous borders, which serve as safe havens for banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, etc. This paper examines how these spaces have contributed to the increase in insecurity since the 4th Republic. It also explores how the absence of security presence in remote strategic areas, including land borders, has worsened the situation. The study adopts the theory of state fragility and Routine Activity Theory (RAT) as its framework. It employed a qualitative approach, utilising documentary evidence and content analysis as sources of data and methods of data analysis, respectively. The study recommended decentralisation of the security architecture to ensure proper coverage of ungoverned remote areas, effective intelligence gathering, and prompt response, while the central government concentrates on broader national security concerns. Additionally, deploying security technology, such as state-of-the-art military equipment, drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs), and satellite coverage, is necessary in ungoverned areas. It will help in early detection, monitoring, and response, with minimal or no human casualties.