Abstract:
This study investigated internal security crises and human rights abuse in Nigeria from 2007 to 2017. Internal security crises are those crises generated internally that threaten the peaceful, co-existence and institutional stability of a state. Internal security crises are caused by struggles between classes, struggle for economic and political control of the states, ethno religious diversity and other factors that seek to change the political and economic status quo or to enthrone new crop of elites. In Nigeria, the management of these internal security crises have led to several crises within the state especially crises bordering on human rights abuse. The manner at which the Nigeria security forces respond to internal security crises through the use of excessive force, arbitrary arrest, extra judicial execution and other unprofessional practices have undermine human rights in Nigeria. In lieu of investigating internal security crises and human rights abuse, this study adopted two research questions; Does military campaign against internal security crises accounts for increase human rights violation in Nigeria? And Does repression of social movements in Nigeria accounts human rights violations?. In the theoretical framework, the theory of securitization by Ole Waever was adopted, while time series research design was adopted as research design. The documentary method of data collection and content analysis was used for data collection and analysis respectively. The study concludes that the manner at which internal security is managed in Nigeria is a threat to human rights as it account for most human rights violation in Nigeria. The study hereby recommends for the strict adherence of the rule of engagement while managing internal crises and the use of police to maintain internal peace.
