EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION ON INTERNAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Corruption has been on increase and therefore becomes an issue of concern in Nigeria especially in the
fourth republic, i.e. from 1999 onward. As a result, it is identified as a major problem inhibiting the
development of many sectors in the country. One of such sectors is internal security which was
weakened by corruption in different manifestations. The substantial part of data for this research was
collected mainly through secondary sources.The corruption which took the forms of looting and
diversion of public funds meant for the purchase of arms to protect lives and properties weakened the
capacity of the police and the military in ensuring effective internal security. This resulted in
monumental threats to internal security such as the wave of kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency
and inter communal violence to mention just few. Based on these therefore, the paper makes strong
advocacy for anti-corruption crusades by the governments at all levels and vigilance by the citizens.
The paper finally recommends that, for effective control of corruption in Nigeria,EFCC should be
adequately funded and completely made independent from government's control so that the
government in power itself will be kept in checked whereas within and outside the courtrooms should
be given the needed publicity. The society must develop a culture of relative openness, in contrast to
the current bureaucratic climate of secretary.