EXPLORING THE LINKS BETWEEN SEA PIRACY AND NATIONAL SECURITY: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Piracy which is a global crime that impedes the free movement of ships, passengers and goods with its attendant economic implications, has dire consequences for national security. This crime has made travelling by sea a tough risk across jurisdictions. The perpetrators are usually heavily armed, with sophisticated weapons to enable them hijack a vessel or vessels and redirect them to their desired location for the payment of an expected ransom, killing, robbery or other forms of violent crimes. Adopting the doctrinal approach, this paper explores the link between sea piracy and national security in the African state of Nigeria while drawing comparison and inspiration from other states across affected jurisdictions. It establishes that there is a direct nexus between sea piracy and national security. The paper found that youth unemployment, absolute or state control of natural resources, monumental corruption in and by government officials, misrule or bad governance, frustration and the desire to pay the government back for perceived wrongs done to the people, greed and criminal tendencies of youths and the lucrative nature of sea piracy are among the factors encouraging the crime. In the end, the paper recommends job creation, national re-orientation, equitable distribution of natural resources, eradication of corruption, and community engagement among others as solutions to the crime of sea piracy.