Religion and National Security in Nigeria: Exploring the Complexity of Religion and Security

Abstract

Religion and security issues have become a national concern for all in Nigeria. This is because the relationship between faith and security is ambivalent. Religion is not an independent force; religious adherents deploy it for their interests. This is vital to understand because it prevents the mistaken claim that religion is either inherently good and peaceful or bad and violent. The role of religion continues to pose as an ultimate concern because of the nature of the present-day society, which is characterised by unmitigated suffering, persistent violation of principles of justice and human rights, and the place of religion is questioned. Therefore, in light of the complex nature of religion, this paper examines the interplay between religion and security in Nigeria. This article discusses the concept of religion and national security and explains the role of religion in protecting its adherents. Using participant observations and oral interviews, this work concludes that religion, in and of itself, is neither inherently positive nor inherently negative, but rather depends on how adherents appropriate and deploy it. This paper ultimately recommends that religious adherents perceive religion as an instrument of peaceful coexistence and deploy it accordingly; furthermore, religious adherents should be prepared to adhere to and apply the fundamental ethical values of their religion, as outlined in this work. Additionally, the article recommends that as good citizens of Nigeria, every religious person should pray, participate in elections and electoral processes, and be obedient to civil authority.