HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT CONCERNS IN NIGERIA: FOCUS ON INSECURITY

Abstract

Human rights enforcement in Nigeria has evolved from colonial-era protections to a modern constitutional framework under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Chapter IV fundamental rights. Key milestones include the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 1995 and the 2009 Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, which modernized judicial processes. Despite these, enforcement faces challenges from security sector abuses, legal limitations on economic rights, and the legacy of military rule. Nigeria has serious human rights issues, especially when it comes to dealing with issues of insecurity and enforcement. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the state of human right in Nigeria particularly when it comes to issues of insecurity. The study adopted the doctrinal research methodology and information was gathered from secondary sources such as books, journals, and internet articles as well as primary sources like laws, treaties, and court rulings. The findings of the research revealed that a number of elements such as terrorism, insurgency, intercommunal strife, police brutality, and impunity, are responsible for human rights abuses in Nigeria. It was also discovered that human rights protection in Nigeria has been significantly limited by the problem of insecurity, resulting in numerous injustices and abuses. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that there is need to implement comprehensive policies that foster the protection of human rights, enhance accountability systems and improve law enforcement capacities in Nigeria.