AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF SECURITY AGENCIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

The paper examined the role of security agencies in the management of electoral violence in Nigeria’s fourth republic. It argues that historically, elections in Nigeria have been characterized by constant tales of violence, fraud and wanton destructions of properties and killings. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the role of security agencies in managing these electoral challenges from 1999 to 2019 using qualitative approach. Data was sourced from secondary sources and analysed thematically. The revealed that despite the implementation of the electoral reforms, election violence has been the major bane of Nigeria’s democratic sustainability since the emergence of the fourth republic. The paper also revealed that despite their diverse statutory and constitutional roles, security forces in Nigeria are increasingly drafted to provide electoral security. It concludes that despite the challenges associated with the involvement of security agencies in elections management, they remain pivotal to election monitoring, enforcement of law and order, protection of vital elections materials, venues, and counting centres. The security forces are also critical in the prevention of violence during all the phases and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.