ICT as a Tool for Combating Insecurity: A Case Study of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in curbing the menace of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria. The paper highlights the root causes of insecurity and terrorism syndrome, its prevalence, the effects on the nation’s economy and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in reducing the menace to the barest minimum. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The analysis was based on Correlation, ranking, Chi-square and t-test via SPSS version 20.0. The finding revealed that 80% of respondents agreed that there exists high level of insecurity in Nigeria. It also showed that the menace has led to the reduction of foreign investments in the country as a result of unsafe business environments and also responsible for portraying the nation in bad light in the committee of nations and stagnated developments leading to high rate of unemployment. The study concluded that the use of ICT tools with the introduction of the Close Circuit Television CCTV camera in strategic locations, drone applications, global positioning system(GPS), tracking and surveillance systems among others and coupled with some of the Federal Government of Nigeria Public, Social and Civic reform initiatives would significantly lead to the reduction in the level of insecurity and terrorism and also helped in achieving greater security, safer environments and increased economic growth.