LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL DIMENSIONS OF THE JUDICIARY'S ROLE IN NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

This work examined the legal analysis of the role of the judiciary in enhancing national security. Despite the avalanche of laws in the statute books, Nigeria is still battling with many security threats particularly internal insecurity. Internal insecurity presents great challenges to the economic, social, religious and political stability of the nation if not ensured. However, it should be understood that the issue of insecurity is a global crisis and not peculiar to Nigeria alone. This work showed the nexus between the judiciary and national security. It was found that although it is the primary responsibility of the executive arm of government to ensure National security, this arm ineptitude has put nation’s security into jeopardy. However, in an attempt to restore the sanctity of lives and properties, the judiciary as an independent umpire has played and would continue to play a pivotal role in the enhancement and protection of National security. The work having taken a cursory look at the contemporary challenges to National security, causes, and measures to tackling this menace and the role of the judiciary in enhancing National security vis-à-vis its challenges, it recommended a better coordination between the judiciary and relevant agencies saddled with responsibility ensuring National security. The fight against insecurity in Nigeria is not a fight that could be won without the firm support of the judiciary. As such the judiciary should be without regards to personal bias and political influence if National security is to be sustained. The ineptitude of government towards ensuring National Security has invariably plunged the nation into many security dilemmas this state of affairs has degenerated into uncontrollable and devastating consequences for the nation’s peace and stability.