THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN MANAGING SECURITY CHALLENGES: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE

Insurgencies and other security challenges have caused significant setbacks for sustainable development in Kaduna state. This study assesses the role of the Kaduna state government in managing the security challenges within the state. In this study, significant factors that affects the management of security and its challenges as well as the disposing conditions were critically analyzed. The objective of the study was to examine the managerial effort of the government in tackling security challenges in Kaduna state being critical in the daily running of the state and proposed appropriate measures that could help improve the current situation. Relevant data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The study employed the exploratory research method. Indigenes of Kaduna state from different LGAs comprised the study population out of which 100 questionnaires were administered serving as sample size. The study employed descriptive statistical instruments such as frequencies and percentages in analyzing the obtained data. The study showed that majority (51.3%) of the respondents indicated that the government is the most active agent in the fight against insecurity in the state with little corroboration from other agencies. Lack of finance was observed to be the major challenge in the fight against insecurity in the state. Though, most of the state’s managerial strategies were credible, yet laudable to some extent. It was however observed that the little corroboration from other agencies such as NGOs, civil societies, traditional rulers and other security agencies played a significant role. The study therefore, recommends that a more inclusive decision-making approach between the state and other agencies be promoted to ensure cross sectional development and fight against insurgencies in the state. Abdullahi, I. | Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria