Theory-Practice Disconnect: Problematising Human Security, Insurgency, and Displacement Crisis Management Policy in Nigeria since 2009

Abstract

From the rustic society of hunter-gatherers who relied on simple tools for food, shelter, clothing and security to the contemporary world of atomic science, nuclear and thermonuclear technology, and communication super-highways where the possibility of mass destruction, chemical weaponry and extirpation of whole groups as well as faster information sharing has risen exponentially, security remains a central issue. Human beings continuously strive to secure their spaces and resources from invasion by other human and non-human elements, thus leading to competition of ideas, knowledge and actions among different groups of people. It becomes more complex where insecurity occurs within a given human society among different classes or interest groups. This typifies the Nigerian situation under Boko Haram since 2009. This study, therefore, problematises the trends of breakdown of human security that resulted from the Boko Haram insurgency and the its main consequence of forced migration (displacement) of persons. Managing the insecurity and human displacement are interrogated within the context of the Nigerian forced migration crisis management policy with a view to assessing its appropriateness beyond theory to actual practice. This, in a fundamental way, will answer the question as to why the Boko Haram insurgency has remained seemingly insurmountable.

Key Words: Human Security, Insurgency, Displacement, State Intervention,

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-8-03

Publication date:September 30th 2025