The Challenges of Non-State Security Groups in Security Provisioning in South-West, Nigeria

Effective security management is one of the fundamental needs of any society since it is through it, that most desires of the society could be achieved. This paper attempts to investigate the challenges confronting Non-state security agents while intervening in security issues in South-western Nigeria. In doing that, reasons behind the intervention would also be identified. The paper is anchored by theory of a failed state while qualitative approach was employed using semi-structure interview and focused group discussion with data gathered analysed through content analysis. The paper showed that factors such as persistent cases of insecurity, interest of inhabitants and inability of statutory security agencies to provide lasting solution to insecurity experience in the region had significantly influenced the intervention. The paper found that financial constraint, lack of incentive and motivation, illiteracy, inadequate training and party affinity had greatly hindered the effective performance of these groups. The paper therefore, recommended that financial provision through government and influential citizens, regular joint security meeting within the community and procurement of modern equipment would aid their performance.