In the past few years, Nigeria has been confronted with security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North East, military in the Niger Delta, kidnapping, armed robbery secretariat, conflicts, to piracy in the maritime domain and serial violence between pastoralists and crop farmers.
These have had far-reaching consequences for the nation, as in some instances lives of citizens were irrevocably altered. Every security challenge, irrespective of where it occurs potentially puts at risk the livelihood and well-being of every citizens. Security challenges could be man-made, nature-made or a combination of both. The lives and levelihoods of the Nigerian people are continually at risk from one form of security challenge or another. This is the reality of the world in which we live today. This reality is global and not peculiar to Nigeria alone. This, however, is not to say Nigeria is not vulnerable in certain aspects than some other nations and vice versa.
Nigeria's National Security Strategy recognizes that while the country must continue to focus on the persistent and evolving terrorist threats, it must at the same time address the full range of potential catastrophic events, including man-made and natural disasters, due to their implications for national security. The purpose of Nigeria's National Security Strategy is to guide, organize and harmonise the nations 's security policies and efforts. The strategy provides a common framework on which the entire nation should focus its efforts.
In order to properly articulate government's strategy for combating these security challenges, there is need for a strategic plan in form of a document to guide security agencies in conception of ideas, formulation of policies and conduct of operations so that every single agency will be properly guided and seen to be working towards the same goal, aware that individual agencies are part of a larger whole, which when properly coordinated would a neat, coherent, orderly and complete system.
A National Security Strategy is required to maintain the survival of the nation through the use of economic power, diplomacy, military and political power. It encompasses a broad range of facets, all of which tie into the non-military or economic security of the nation and the values espoused by the national society.To ensure National Security, we need to possess economic security, energy security, environment security and adequate provision for the safety and personal security of all citizens.
Over the past two to three decades, many countries around the world, especially in developing economies, equated the security of the regime in power with national security. The era was largely dominated by military power with the state using the instruments of coercion. However, since the early 1990's there has been a gradual shift in focus fro what can best be described as the soft side of security, to issues that effects the majority of the people. Such issues include shelter, transportation, food security, poverty alleviation, employment opportunities, safe environment and opportunities for self-actualization.
Without adequately taking care of the needs of the ordinary citizens, it would be difficult to rely on state power or military force, as the people, in all instances, from the core of any security strategy.
Nigeria has to take critical look at the global environment in which the country operates today, the rapidly changing face of terrorism all over the world, as well as, other issues relating to insecurity confronting nation-states. The place of Nigeria within the international community, the strategic position of Nigeria on the African continent, particularly in the ECOMOG sub-region, especially with regard to peace and conflict resolution, need to be examined and factored into the National Security Strategy.
the National Security Strategy has limitation of time and place. The issues that are so important to the security and existence of Nigeria as a nation today to review any National Security Strategy document after a period of 5- 10 years, so as to bring it up to date with the realities of the time.

Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, CFR
National Security Adviser To the President of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria  

The security of the nation remains not just the primary concern of this government but the number one and most important concern. From the beginning of time, security has always been an issue and will continue to be an issue. Indeed, the emergence, development and dynamics of organised society, and by extension the nation-state, have made issues of security more complex, necessary and urgent.
Nigeria, like most nations has a myriad of security challenges, some of which are peculiar to the country while others are cross-border or even transnational in nature. is is however, incontestable that the insurgency waged by the jama'atu Ahlus Sunna Liddawati wal Jihad (commonly known as Boko Haram) characterised by mindless violence, which undermines our freedom, way of life and sovereignty, by for remains the greatest threat to our collective security as a nation.
We equally have had security challenges in the South-South, South-East, North-West, North-Central and South-West, suggesting that no part of the country is immune to insecurity. I am however, proud to say that no matter the form of insecurity and threat level, the commitment of this government and the robust Nigeria spirit have always triumphed.
For example in 2011, parts of this country were submerged by floods causing massive destruction and human suffering, we rose with a common accord and commitment to fight the floods. Our focus was rescue, rehabilitation and resettlement. Through the combined efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency and security forces and coordinated fund-raising campaign by the government,we were able to achieve these objectives.
Earlier this year when the nation was struck by the Ebola virus disease, not a few gave up hope on Nigeria as they were almost certain there would be a pandemic. However, due to governments careful planning and our common resolve, the situation was speedily bough under control earning the country not only a clean bill of health but commendation from the World Health Organisation and other countries.
Although the responses of government to the floods of 2011 and the Ebola virus disease of 2014 represents the preparedness of this country to confront both natural and man-made disasters, the is need to design a comprehensive and coherent strategy that is at once implementable and responsive to our security needs and capable of giving us that critical edge. In all this, the government's most solemn promise and duty are to protect the Nigeria state and people. The National Security Strategy is an attempt to address this need. It will also serve as he nation's guide to leverage Nigeria's talents and resources to meet its obligations in pursuance of the social contract between the government and the people and between the government its foreign partners.
Despite the current grave challenges, we have also seen great accomplishments and great promise. Working with our foreign partners and friends, we have disrupted many terrorist plans and attacks thereby saving lives and infrastructure. In spite of Boko Haram's campaign of terror, we have a substantial degree, degraded and curtailed their capacity to launch attacks. We pay attribute to the gallantry and patriotism of our soldiers and security forces, some of whom have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our safety. We commend the resilience and uncommon sacrifice of individuals and communities in the conflict areas.
National Security is a collective responsibility and process of which every citizen is a part and to which they must continue to subscribe for maximum protection and common good. As we develop a culture of alertness, our states, local governments and communities, faith-based and civil society organizations, business and indeed every stakeholder must be partners in ensuring safety and security of our nation.
The National Security Strategy is a wake-up call on every Nigerian to develop that individual and collective conscious and readiness to forestall, pre-empt protect and defend the country against natural and man-made disasters. It also demands multi-sectoral domestic and international approaches, effort and cooperation. The National Security Strategy is carefully though-put and approaches security from a comprehensive perspective, leaving nothing to chance, yet honest enough to accept that sometimes crime will be ahead of the law. In the event is happening, the plan envisages that our national character, robust spirit resourcefulness and optimism shall provide the needed succor and springboard for recovery and counter-offensive to secure victory.
This administration stands ready to discharge its duties and responsibilities to the Nigerian people in fulfillment of the sacred oath of office it took. Guided by this principle, we will continue work with our citizens and friends to protect lives and property as part of the process of securing the nation.

DR. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR
President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria'
State House
Abuja  

Table of Contents
1. Nigeria's National Security Vision and Mission ....................................p. 1
2. National Security Interests ...............................................................P. 2
Geo-Strategic Environment ..................................................................P. 4
3. National Security Threats .................................................................P. 9
Global Challenges ...............................................................................P. 9
Terrorism ..........................................................................................P. 9
Transnational Organised Crimes ...........................................................P. 11
Crude Oil Theft/Illegal Bunkering ..........................................................P. 11
Nigeria Borders ..................................................................................P. 11
Climate Change ..................................................................................P. 12
Communal and Ethno-Religious Conflicts ................................................P. 12
Pastoralists/Farmers Conflict ................................................................P. 12
Politics and Federalism in Nigeria .........................................................P. 12
Governance Challenges ......................................................................p. 13
Poverty ............................................................................................P. 14
Kidnapping .......................................................................................P. 14
Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons ......................................P. 14
Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction ........................................P. 15
Illegal Migration ................................................................................p. 16
Economic Challenges .........................................................................p. 17
Financial Crimes ...............................................................................P. 17
Information Technology and Cyber Security .........................................P. 18
Natural Man-Made and Medical Related Threats ....................................P. 20
Environment Security P. 20
4. National Security Strategy .............................................................p. 22
National Defence .............................................................................P. 22
Counter Terrorism ...........................................................................P. 23
Soft Approach to Counter Terrorism ...................................................p. 25
Niger Delta Security ........................................................................P. 28
Internal Security ............................................................................P. 28
Political Security ............................................................................P. 29
Economic Security . .......................................................................P. 31
Food Security ...............................................................................p. 34
Social Security ............................................................................P. 34
Gender Security ...........................................................................P. 37
Cultural Security .........................................................................P. 37
Role of Traditional Institutions .......................................................P. 38
Environmental Security ................................................................p. 41
Health Security ...........................................................................P. 44
Science, Technology and Innovation ..............................................p. 45
Space Technology .......................................................................P. 47
External Security ........................................................................P. 47
Foreign Policy ............................................................................P. 49
Information Technology and Cyber Security ...................................P. 51
Labour Security .........................................................................P. 55
Transportation Security ..............................................................P. 55
Aviation Security .......................................................................P. 56
Maritime Security ......................................................................p. 57
Nuclear Security ........................................................................P. 58
Drug Law Strategy .....................................................................P. 59
Strategic Communications ..........................................................P. 60
Youth Security ..........................................................................P. 62
Crisis Management ...................................................................P. 64
Critical National Assets and Infrastructure ...................................P. 66
5. Ensuring Sustainability of National Security Strategy .................P. 69
Risk Management ....................................................................P. 69
Culture of Preparedness ...........................................................p. 69
6. Conclusion ..........................................................................P. 71