Security Threats and Disaster Management in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between security threats and disaster management effectiveness in Maiduguri Metropolis. A quantitative research design, grounded in Structural Functionalist Theory, was employed. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of residents selected through stratified random sampling across five wards within the metropolis. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and presented in tabular format. The findings revealed that insurgency-related armed attacks and seasonal flooding are the primary disasters affecting the area, with insurgency identified as the most serious perceived threat. Disaster preparedness and early warning systems were found to be notably deficient, with low public awareness of preparedness initiatives and minimal participation in disaster drills. Inter-agency emergency response coordination was moderate but inconsistent, with the National Emergency Management Agency perceived as relatively more effective than other bodies. Key operational challenges included pervasive insecurity, insufficient funding, poor infrastructure, and restricted access to affected communities. The study further established a significant association between respondents' direct exposure to security threats and both the level of disaster preparedness and the perceived effectiveness of coordination efforts. The study concludes that disaster management in Maiduguri is severely constrained by the intertwining of security challenges and institutional weaknesses, leading to low preparedness, fragmented coordination, and delayed response. These findings provide critical empirical evidence on the dynamics of disaster management in conflict-prone urban settings, underscoring the urgent need for integrated strategies that address both security and disaster risks simultaneously.