Security and Citizenship – SS2 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Security is the state of being safe from harm, so that people can sleep, go to school or go to the market in peace. In Nigeria it is a partnership. The government provides the Police, Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, while citizens support them with information, vigilance and obedience to the law.

Subject: Citizenship and Heritage Studies
Class: SS2
Focus: Roles of the Police, Army, Civil Defence and the Citizen.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what security means;
• state the roles of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC);
• describe four roles of a citizen in keeping the country secure;
• list challenges to security in Nigeria;
• explain how community policing can improve security.

What is security?

Think of security as “Peace of Mind.” It is the feeling you have when you know you can go to sleep, go to school, or go to the market without being harmed.

In Nigeria, security is a partnership. It is like a football team: the government provides the “Professional Players” (Police, Army, etc.), but the “Fans” (the Citizens) must provide the support and information for the team to win.

Who does what in Nigeria’s security system?

Sometimes we see men in uniform and get confused about their specific jobs. The three main agencies are described below.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

• The “Internal” Guard: Their job is strictly inside the country.
• Role: They prevent crime, investigate when something is stolen, and arrest people who break the law (like robbers or fraudsters).
• Human Side: They are supposed to be “The Friend of the Citizen.” Their main goal is to maintain order in our daily lives.

The Nigerian Army

• The “External” Guard: They are trained for war and protecting our borders.
• Role: They defend Nigeria from foreign enemies. If another country tries to attack us, the Army goes to the front line. They also help inside Nigeria only during “big” emergencies, like fighting terrorism.
• Human Side: They are the “Shield” of the nation.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

• The “Protectors of Assets”: You often see them in red and navy blue uniforms.
• Role: Their biggest job is protecting Critical Infrastructure. This means they guard oil pipelines, electrical cables, and government buildings from vandals. They also manage private security companies.
• Human Side: They help keep the things we all use (like light and fuel) safe from “bad belle” people who want to destroy them.

What is the citizen’s role in security?

Many Nigerians think, “Security is the work of the police, not me.” This is a big mistake. There are over 200 million Nigerians and not enough police officers to stand behind every person.

Your roles as a citizen include:

1. “See Something, Say Something”: If you notice a strange bag left at a bus stop, or you see people moving suspicious items into a house at 2:00 AM, you must report it. The police aren’t magicians; they need “Intelligence” (information).
2. Vigilance: Being aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk in dark, lonely places with your headphones on. Be your neighbour’s keeper.
3. Obeying the Law: The easiest way to help security is to not be a criminal yourself. Follow traffic rules, don’t buy stolen goods, and avoid cultism.
4. Assisting During Investigations: If you witness a crime, be brave enough to tell the truth to the authorities so the right person is caught.

What challenges does security face in Nigeria?

We have to be honest: our security system faces some “human” hurdles.

• Lack of Trust: Many citizens are afraid that if they report a crime, the “bad guys” will find out. This makes people keep quiet.
• Poor Equipment: Sometimes our officers don’t have enough fast cars, communication gadgets, or proper kits to fight well-armed criminals.
• Unemployment: When many youths don’t have jobs, they become “easy targets” for gangs and kidnappers to recruit.
• Corruption: A few “bad eggs” in uniform take bribes, which makes the public lose respect for the whole force.

How can we work together to improve security?

The best way to fix Nigeria’s security is through Community Policing. This means the police and the neighbourhood (landlords, youth leaders, traders) become friends. When there is trust, criminals have nowhere to hide.

Quick revision table

Class activity and discussion

In your neighbourhood, do you know the phone number of the nearest police station or the DPO? If not, why is it important for your parents to have it?

Evaluation

1. What is security, and why is it described as a partnership?
2. State the main role of each of these: the Police, the Army and the NSCDC.
3. Give four ways a citizen can help to keep the country secure.
4. Mention three challenges to security in Nigeria.
5. What is community policing?

Assignment

In your exercise book, write a short paragraph explaining why security is not the work of the police alone. Give two examples of what a citizen can do to help.