Nigeria's Geography and Security Issues

Study Notes

Nigeria's location, neighbours, and boundaries influence crime and security.
Boundaries can cause disputes and conflicts.
The creation of States and Local Governments has led to new boundaries causing security issues.
Examples are given for how natural characteristics (relief, drainage, climate) affect crime and security.
Swampy coastal areas are ideal for smuggling.
The hilly nature of the Nigeria-Cameroon border makes it difficult to police.
The dry climate of northern Nigeria leads to drought and famine, making the open landscape unsuitable for daylight robberies.
The exploitation of crude oil in the Niger Delta has caused unrest and crime.
Nigeria's economic activities present opportunities for crime and threats to security.
Nigeria's official relationship with Benin and Niger is cordial but relations with Chad and Cameroon are not.
Nigeria's poor borders and lack of sufficient policing contribute to cross-border criminal activity.
The poor economies of Nigeria's neighbours also present security concerns.
Nigeria's long coastline and large territorial waters are vulnerable due to a small and inadequately equipped navy.

Nigeria's physical environment is diverse, with varied terrain, landforms, and climate.
Relief regions include upland areas and lowlands.
Upland areas:
- High Plains of Hausaland
- Jos Plateau
- Biu Plateau
- Western Uplands
- Mandara Mountains
- Eastern Highlands
- Oban Hills
Lowlands:
- Sokoto Plains
- Chad Plains
- Niger-Benue Trough
- Coastal Plains of South-Western Nigeria
- Coastal Plains of South-Eastern Nigeria
- Lowlands and Scarpland of South-Eastern Nigeria
- Niger Delta
Nigeria has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season.
The wet season brings heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in coastal areas and flood plains.
Flooding is a significant threat to human lives and infrastructure.
The rainy season is crucial for agriculture, with farmers working diligently to plant crops.

Nigeria has a large and diverse population with a variety of settlement patterns.
Dense populations are found in major cities and urban centers, often with high levels of crime.
Rural areas, with spread-out populations and limited resources, can be more vulnerable to certain types of crime.

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