INTERNAL SECURITY CRISES AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN NIGERIA IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

This study investigated internal security crises and human rights abuse in Nigeria in the fourth republic. Internal security crises are those crises generated internally that threaten the peaceful, co-existence and institutional stability of a state. Internal security crises are caused by struggles between classes, struggle for economic and political control of the states, ethno religious diversity and other factors that seek to change the political and economic status quo or to enthrone new crop of elites. In Nigeria, the management of these internal security crises have led to several crises within the state especially crises bordering on human rights abuse. The manner at which the Nigeria security forces respond to internal security crises through the use of excessive force, arbitrary arrest, extra judicial execution and other unprofessional practices have undermined human rights in Nigeria. In the theoretical framework, the theory of securitization by Ole Waever was adopted. The study concludes that the manner at which internal security is managed in Nigeria is a threat to human rights as it accounts for most human rights violation in Nigeria. The study hereby recommends for the strict adherence of the rule of engagement while managing internal crises and the use of police to maintain internal peace.