Management of Security Challenges in Nigeria: A Reflection of Buhari’s Administration

Although security challenges are global phenomena, Nigeria’s case appears to be perennially mismanaged, hence the need to critically examine them with a particular focus on President Buhari’s Administration (2015-2023). The study was anchored on the risk management theory. Utilising a qualitative approach, this research drew from policy documents, security reports, and scholarly analyses to evaluate the administration’s counterterrorism measures, military operations, and diplomatic engagements. The study also explored the role of governance, economic policies, and inter-agency collaboration in mitigating security risks. Findings suggested that while certain military operations, such as Operation Lafiya Dole and establishing new security task forces, yielded temporary gains against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, systemic issues, including corruption, weak intelligence coordination, and socio-economic grievances, undermined long-term security effectiveness. The paper recommended a multidimensional security framework that integrates governance reforms, technological advancements, and regional cooperation or confederal structuring to ensure sustainable national security.