Civil-military Relations: Conflict and Cooperation between Military Bases and Host Communities in Nigeria

Abstract

The growing strength, responsibilities, and involvement in internal security operations of the Nigerian armed forces have brought rapid increase in the number of military bases required to accommodate personnel and project their operations across the country. Nigeria is currently estimated to have between 250 and 330 military bases that are dispersed across the 36 states and the federal capital territory, from where different operations have been projected in the last two decades. Amidst these, the conduct of personnel in and around military bases, and their projected operations, have generated both positive and negative effects for the development and security of host communities, from where they have attracted resistance and support from the populations. Although these developments are critical to Nigeria’s military preparedness and performance, democratic consolidation, peace and security, and international reputation, they have received inadequate policy and academic attention. Accordingly, this article seeks to examine civil-military relations at the grassroots, with emphasis on conflict and cooperation between the Nigerian military and host communities of its (operationally active and passive) bases.