NON-STATE ACTORS’ COLLABORATION AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT IN KOGI STATE, 2015-2023

Abstract

This study examines the collaboration among non-state actors in security management in Kogi State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2023. It investigates how vigilante groups, traditional institutions, community development associations, faith-based organisations, youth groups, and civil society organisations collectively contributed to addressing kidnapping, armed robbery, communal conflicts, and cult-related violence. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, combining primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires and key informant interviews, while secondary data were sourced from scholarly publications, government documents, policy reports, and security agency records. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis. The study is anchored on Collaborative Governance Theory, which emphasises shared responsibility and collective action in addressing complex security challenges. The findings indicate that collaboration among non-state actors improved community surveillance, intelligence sharing, early warning, conflict resolution, and crime prevention. However, inadequate funding, weak coordination, leadership rivalry, limited institutional capacity, and the absence of formal operational frameworks reduced the effectiveness of these efforts. The study concludes that stronger institutional collaboration, improved funding, capacity building, and formal coordination mechanisms are essential for sustainable community-based security management in Kogi State.