Conflict Management Strategy in Rivers State, a Study of ONELGA Security Planning and Adversely Communities (OSPAC)

Full Length Research Paper

Conflict Management Strategy in Rivers State, A study of ONELGA Security Planning and Adversely Communities (OSPAC)

Mackintoch Ugochukwu Chukwuemeka and Dr. Emmanuel O. Davies

Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu - Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Received: 12 January, 2021, Accepted: 10 February, 2021, Published: 26 February, 2021

Nigeria has for decades, been known as a country ridden with serious security and conflict management challenges. Though there are segments of government-oriented law enforcement agencies known as the public security agencies in this paper, the problem of insecurity and crises in the various and different parts of the nation has continued to increase hence the need for complementary efforts. The relevance of the private security agencies, especially those with militia orientation, in security and conflict management in Nigeria in general and in ONELGA Rivers State, in particular, cannot be overemphasized hence the expediency of the topic: the role and impact of private security agencies in combating crises in Rivers State: a case study of OSPAC in ONELGA. 40 respondents were selected for this study and questionnaires were distributed accordingly. The Likert’s four-point scaling was used to analyze the responses from the field questionnaires. The deterrent theory formed the theoretical background for this work This study has been able to identify some notable successes of the private security agencies as against the public security agencies in the activities of OSPAC in ONELGA. The study has also identified some challenges hampering their operations and be able to make recommendations on how they can be overcome.

Keywords: Conflict management, security planning, law enforcement, militia.

INTRODUCTION

Conflict is a situation in which two or more human beings balance and validity of group life. This emphasizes that desire goals which they perceive as being obtainable by conflict is positive and will always be a part of human one or the other but not both. Each party is mobilizing nature. People's attitudes, backgrounds, and the energy to obtain a goal, a desired object, or situation and information they have certainly often dictate the way they each party perceive the other as a barrier or threat to that manage any conflict. goal. What this definition (CASS, 2005), suggest is that If for instance, one accepts the conceptualization of Conflict is an inherent dimension of human relations and conflict by Coser (1979) thus: struggle over values and an undercurrent of social relations (CASS, 2005). claims to status, power, and scarce resources in which As much as other scholars in their conceptualization the aim of the individual or group involved is not only to accept this definition, Simel (1971) sees conflict not obtain the desired value but to terminate, injure or simply as a pathological phenomenon to be prevented or eliminate rivals; such conceptualization will certainly adjust, but rather as an essential ingredient in the always bread crisis. The crisis is a social phenomenon that most often than not results in discrimination, destruction, retarded communication, and reduction in personal or group cohesiveness, resulting in the primacy of fighting among group members. *Corresponding author‟s e-mail: [email protected] Crises world over have heightened the palpable state

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of insecurity, especially since the end of the cold war. challenges they face in executing their duties. In a Security for the majority of the state has increased, while nutshell, are there successes they have recorded as security for many of the worlds' people has declined. This against the failure of the public security agencies to curb is due largely to the emergence of new types of security crisis in the area? What are the major challenges that threats such as violent crimes, cybercrimes, and militate against effective conflict management and what terrorisms. Various types of intrastate security threats can be done to overcome these challenges and therefore such as ethnic and communal conflicts, the emergence of make for more effective conflict management? In other warlords, militancy, and cult-related/ gangsters' clashes. words, how can security management be enhanced in These emergent security crises have largely undermined the crisis-rife oil-rich communities of Rivers State and in the traditional role of the state in monopolizing security Nigeria as a whole? and created a gap in security and crisis management in society. Statement of Problem In several areas and countries of the world where natural resources are deposited conflict and crisis are There seems to be no contention as regards the strategic rife. From the diamond dumps in Liberia and Serria-loene relevance of security in the development of any nation, to the rich cobalt deposits in the Congo Democratic conflict, especially when it is not adequately tackled Republic. The vast petroleum deposits in Iraq and Iran. undermines security resulting in insecurity the very Sudan, East Timor/Indonesia all have their mineral opposite of security. To this effect, we can categorically deposits that have been the cause of bloody clashes and state that the security of lives and property in any given rivalry. Nigeria has its share of petroleum-related crisis state or community is paramount and remains vital to the and environmental degradation. As such, Gbadegesin continued socio-economic survival of any people (Hyden, (1997) asserts that "Oil exploration and production in 1995). For this reason, notable efforts have been made south-eastern Nigeria, has adversely affected peasant by governments and stakeholders alike to develop agriculture, the basis of sustenance of millions of rural workable strategies and frameworks for crisis reduction inhabitants through a complex web of the interaction of and security advancement to help mitigate the risks several negative environmental factors." posed by both human and non-human threats to the Eteng (1997) further stated that: "While oil production is wellbeing of their people. easily the nation's most crucial economic life-line and has One of such efforts is the conception of public security been the major contributor to the nation's overall management agencies for instance the Nigeria Police economic development over the decades, the oil-bearing Force and the Nigerian Army; nonetheless, the issue of Niger Delta communities have remained persistently security and conflict management has experienced a shift deprived of the benefits of oil resources". from its traditional notation as an exclusive government The statements presented above aptly describe the function (Hobbes, 1962), to the more modern concept twin plague of natural resource induced crisis/poverty and that encourages participation of private security environmental degradation on the oil-producing State of organizations in security planning and practice. This Rivers, and communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local could be attributed to the fact that there are more citizens Government Area (ONELGA) in particular, being some of in any given community than the state security agencies, the oil-rich communities in Rivers State. The situation, therefore culminating into the need to hire more hands to craftily instituted through gross inequitable revenue enhance effective security management and also to the allocation formula that has given birth to systematic fact that these government agencies over time have peasant deprivation for the oil host communities, within failed to achieve the desired effect of maintaining peace untold acute ecological degradation that has deprived the and stability in the crisis-ridden area of Rivers State in communities of their traditional subsistence means particular, and in Nigeria in general. resulting in a scramble for the scarce and inadequate In essence, the origin of private security involvement in compensation packages; degenerating into constant combating conflict in Nigeria can be traced to the conflicts between the communities and the oil systemic failure and inefficiency observed in the public multinationals, and, frequent and intensive inter and intra security sector which exhibits blatant inability on their part communal conflicts. to meet the security needs of the people, especially, with In response to the inadequacies of the Nigerian state to the oil-rich communities of Rivers State. Observably, the security challenges, private security companies have complementary roles being played by private security played a very vital role in complementing government agencies in mitigating security challenges in ONELGA of agencies in crime prevention. A case at hand is the Rivers State in particular for instance, and in Nigeria, in intervention of OSPAC in ONELGA in Rivers State. In general, cannot be overemphasized as it has been seen this study, we are going to look at the role of OSPAC in by many people as a welcome development. conflict management in ONELGA; we will look at the At this point, it is expedient to state the problems as impact of their intervention on the communities and the follows:

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. Deficiency of public security organizations has created management and improved security in ONELGA great lapses in crisis and security management in Nigeria. Hypothesis 3: . The advent of private security agencies in crisis prevention and management in Nigeria can be traced Hi: There is a correlation between relative peace in to the systemic failure and inefficiency inherent in the ONELGA and the involvement of OSPAC in conflict public security sector. management in Rivers State . In Nigeria, private security agencies came as a complementary partner in crime prevention, however SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY the private security organizations have their peculiar challenges. This study deals with the role and impact of private security agencies in combating crisis in Rivers State: a OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY study of OSPAC in ONELGA; the study is relevant therefore in the sense that students and security . To define the term private security agencies personnel, especially private security agencies will . To outline the roles of private security agencies in understand their role in conflict prevention and conflict prevention and management management as security agents. . To examine the impact of the activities of private This study will help the government and policymakers security agencies in ONELGA of Rivers State to understand the importance of the complementary role . To examine the challenges that private security that private security agencies play in security agencies encounter in the discharge of their duties management and conflict prevention and thereby, . To proffer possible solutions on tackling these motivate them (the government) to enact good and challenges favorable policies that will create a more conducive . To make recommendations on the way forward for atmosphere for effective duty discharge. private security agencies in conflict prevention and This study will elicit the importance of using traditional management. intelligence methods to solve the local conflict, crisis, and security challenges. RESEARCH QUESTIONS It will help the communities and stakeholders in crude oil enterprise like the multinational oil corporations to . What is the definition of private security agency? understand and appreciate the relevance of OSPAC in . What are the roles of private security agencies in ONELGA as their presence has helped to enhance conflict prevention and management? peaceful cohabitation of community members and the oil . What impact has OSPAC had in managing the conflict multinationals; it will also serve as a springboard for the situation in ONELGA of Rivers State? formation of such private security agencies in other oil . What are the challenges that private security agencies host communities where such effort had not been face in the discharge of their conflict management and initiated. control duties? This work is also significant in the sense that it adds . What are the possible solutions on tackling these more knowledge to the already existing wealth of challenges? knowledge on: . What are the recommendations on the way forward for private security agencies in conflict and security management? DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Role: the function assumed or part played by a person or HYPOTHESES thing in a particular situation in this case, the functions that private security agencies play in crisis or conflict Hypothesis 1: prevention and management Impact: a marked effect or influence; measure of the Hi: Private security companies have recorded more tangible and intangible effects (consequences). In this successes in the management of conflict and crisis case and on a general note, the effect that private situations in communities in ONELGA, Rivers State security agency has in conflict prevention and management. On a more specific note, the effect that the Hypothesis 2: activities of OSPAC have on the communities in ONELGA of Rivers State in relation to conflict Hi: There is significant positive relationship between the management in the area. involvement of private security agencies in security Private Security agency: a registered or unregistered

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organization or company not commissioned as a public Rivers State: one of the 36 states of Nigeria; it was security outfit but which provides various security carved out from the then Eastern region in May 1967, its services capital is Port Harcourt with Garden City as its slogan Combating: the act of taking action to reduce or prevent Study: a method of scientific inquiry; a process or record something bad or undesirable as seen in the role of of research into the development of a particular person, OSPAC in ONELGA in Rivers State to curb conflict and group, or situation over some time; an in-depth insecurity investigation of a single individual, group, or event to Crisis: same as in conflict; a time of intense difficulty or explore the causes of underlying principles, in this study: danger; any event that is going (or is expected) to lead to the role and impact of OSPAC in ONELGA, Rivers State. an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an OSPAC: ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory individual, group, community, or whole society. Committee Conflict: same as in crisis; a serious disagreement or ONELGA: Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; argument, typically a protracted one one of the 13 Local Government Areas in Rivers State. Rivers State: one of the 36 states of Nigeria; it was carved out from the then Eastern region of in May 1967, its capital is Port Harcourt with Garden City as its slogan LITERATURE REVIEW Study: a method of scientific inquiry; a process or record of research into the development of a particular person, In traditional Nigerian society, private security guards group, or situation over a period of time; an in-depth have been in use as prominent and rich people have investigation of a single individual, group or event to often hired their services to safeguard their lives and explore the causes of underlying principles, in this study: property. Kings in traditional African societies had also the role and impact of OSPAC in ONELGA, Rivers State. been known to employ palace guards. In Nigeria for OSPAC ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory instance, before the advent of private security agencies, Committee many households or neighborhoods were fond of ONELGA: Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; employing the services of „male-guards' as watchmen one of the 13 Local Government Areas in Rivers State. (Abrahamsen & Williams, 2005). Kasali, Monsuru Adegboyega defined a private security guard as someone not commissioned as a public guard providing LITERATURE REVIEW various security services but employed by either a registered or unregistered private security outfit. Role: the function assumed or part played by a person or Consequently, the notion of private security guards has thing in a particular situation, in this case, the functions evolved into the more organized and more modern that private security agencies play in crisis or conflict concept known as private security agencies. prevention and management Before the 1966 coup, party thugs were recruited into Impact: a marked effect or influence; a measure of the local police by politicians and their use of brutal force led tangible and intangible effects (consequences). In this to the clamor for dissolution of local or regional police in case and on a general note, the effect that private Nigeria (Ahire, 1993). Ohonbamu (1972) for instance security agency has in conflict prevention and asserts that in the Western Region there was mass management. On a more specific note, the effect that the recruitment into the local forces of party thugs and activities of OSPAC have on the communities in stalwarts - people against whom the police were ONELGA of Rivers State with conflict management in the supposed to be giving protection to the law-abiding area citizens. Such a problem was not peculiar in south- Private Security agency: a registered or unregistered western Nigeria only as it was a regular occurrence in organization or company not commissioned as a public other parts of Nigeria. Ahire (1993) stated that the fiercest security outfit but which provides various security criticisms of the Native Authority Forces relates to their services handling of opposition politicians in the 1950s when party Combating: the act of taking action to reduce or prevent politics started in Nigeria; this practice is still in force something bad or undesirable as seen in the role of notwithstanding that Nigeria is in its democratic rule he OSPAC in ONELGA in Rivers State to curb conflict and highlights, for instance, the ugly trends of brutal and insecurity oppressive use of the Nigeria Police by ruling elites Crisis: same as in conflict; a time of intense difficulty or against their perceived opponents in northern Nigeria. In danger; any event that is going (or is expected) to lead to his very words: an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an It is on record that Native Authority (NA) police forces individual, group, community, or whole society. earned notoriety by using undue coercion and Conflict: same as in crisis; a serious disagreement or intimidation to enlist support for the ruling party; deny argument, typically a protracted one opposition parties permits for rallies; disrupt meetings of

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opposition parties and generally enforced the obnoxious Nigeria. Apart from the security of lives and property of "unlawful assembly" laws against opposition politicians. their clients, private security agencies can also perform The excesses of NA police forces in support of the ruling other functions such as intelligence collection and party in Northern Nigeria prompted a loud outcry which analysis, patrolling, spying, riot control, among others but eventually led to their extinction (Ahire, 1993). in performing their duties, they are expected to use force According to Wikipedia the free online or arm as a last resort and avoid engaging in the acts that Dictionary, a private security agency is a business can be considered as offensive. corporation, which provides armed and unarmed security Ethnic militias emerged with the rising need to find services and expertise to private and public clients; alternative security and conflict management meaning that individuals and corporations can hire arrangement, which could help reduce the threats security guards from these agencies for security reasons. emanating from growing crime in their communities Investigation and Security Company (NISCO) remains despite the presence of the public security agencies. The the first private security outfit providing uniformed guards varied security services rendered by the militia groups to operate in Nigeria with its advent in 1965 but since have greatly increased the import of informal channels in then the number of existing private security agencies in the recruitment of guards in the private security sector. the country has increased innumerably. Members of these groups are usually from the same There are two basic types of private security ethnic nationalities and localities. companies: those that are registered and those that are The general characteristics and operational methods not. However, the first registered private security agency among these groups are similar, usually, there is no in the country with uniformed guards was Nigeria record of formal training amongst group members; but Investigation and Security Company (NISCO) which their relevance is enhanced through their modus emerged in 1965 and still in existence (Abrahamsen & operandi, seen in their possession of spiritual powers that Williams, 2005). Registered private security agencies makes it possible for them to face armed criminals often recruit their guards by advertising in the media, without fear. They are always adorned with all sorts of especially through the daily newspapers. The recruits charms and some of them use dangerous weapons like come from all segments of Nigerian society irrespective guns unlike guards recruited by registered private of tribal or ethnic groups and they are paid for services security companies. Usually, there is no importance rendered. attached to formal education and also, there is no age Though the registered agencies recruit formally, most barrier among group members; the need to curb crime unregistered private security agencies start their and conflict in the area rally like minds around, and their operations without going through the process of security services are rendered voluntarily virtually at the registration, and often, recruitment of members are initial stage of formation, especially, since they have exercised informally through channels involving friends' different occupational concerns. Essentially, they gather invitation, primordial relations, and parental induction whenever there is a security challenge, for instance, if the among others. Examples are ethnic militias like O‟dua group or its interest is being challenged by another group, Peoples‟ Congress (OPC) in the western part, the faction or government and, or its security agents known Bakassi Boys in the eastern part, and the ONELGA as the public security agencies. Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in the southern part of Nigeria. The focus of this study is the role and impact of private EMERGENCE AND ACTIVITIES OF OSPAC IN security agencies in combating crisis in Rivers State: a ONELGA study of OSPAC in ONELGA, therefore, the concentration will be on the role and impact of OSPAC as Rivers state has over the years evolved as the oil and a private militia security agency in ONELGA. gas nerve center of Nigeria. It has an impressive GDP of The involvement of private agencies in security 21.07 billion USD which is bigger than that of most management has become phenomenal in recent times. African countries such as Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, Considering the historical development of private security and Lesotho. Etc. however the unviable economic and companies in Nigeria, one will not but agree that the socio-political and security scorecard of major oil- presence and activities of private security guards laid the producing communities in Rivers State has attracted the foundation for the emergence of private security interest of peace and security watchers and scholars. companies in Nigeria. The use of guards working According to Garba (2015), the socio-political and individually or those commissioned by unregistered economic landscape of Nigeria has been blighted by private security companies had been in existence before endemic twin evil of crime and violence. Nigeria's south- the nation's independence. The use of thugs or some south state has become plagued by armed militancy and party members for private security became noticeable at gang violence. Most of it is perpetrated by young adults independence and this habit has continued to date in with slightly older men as leaders.

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In the height of militancy and its associated plethora of unregistered private security agency and was crimes in 2012, the government of late President Umaru inaugurated to fight insurgence and the resulting crisis Musa Yaradua granted an amnesty program to agitated that accrue from it in the area. Niger Delta youths. Most of the Niger Delta youths in general and ONELGA, in particular, embraced the Mode of Operation amnesty program, dough shamble and poorly managed. The ex-militants were not properly rehabilitated for OSPAC „Watch Corps‟ were given arms and so they societal integration, thus a heightened spate of crime and patrol with arms and machetes. They use charms and violent conflict/crisis. juju to protect themselves and to identify culprits; they In ONELGA there were several rival gang groups such also have informants who inform them of areas where as Greenlanders, Icelanders, Sailors which resulted in illegal activities are going on. On capturing the culprits, several killings some of which include; the killing on 3rd they hand over the criminals to the police but sometimes, April 2015 of one chief Christopher Nwalinsor Adube and they mete out jungle justice on their suspects. his three children in Obrikom. 12th February 2016. The OSPAC as a private security agency with militia killing of 24 people in Omuku during the legislative re-run orientation like their counterparts: Bakassi and O‟dua election. On 15th March 2016, some suspected cultists People's Congress (OPC), has been known not to cut off the head of one Franklyn Obi, the APC ward 4 compromise. In a personal interview with one of the chairman, his wife and son were also casualties. 17th OSPAC members on the reason why they are recording June, killing of eleven persons when two cult groups; unprecedented successes as against the public security Icelanders and new Greenlanders were fighting for agencies, he responded that OSPAC does not supremacy, and the list is endless. Consequently, compromise their values, meaning that they were given between February and September 2016 the activities of the mandate to restore and ensure peace and security in rival cult groups turned Omoku the local government the area; as he stated: "We are focused and serious headquarters of ONELGA into a ghost town. about carrying out our duties, there is no compromise". A name that evoked fear during this period of heightened insecurity and violence conflict and crisis in Functions ONELGA is one Ejima Iwedibia (alias don Waney). While he lived, he was described as a Lord of the manor who The functions of OSPAC as enshrined in paragraph 2 of dared to walk where angels feared to tread. He enjoyed its bye-laws include; patronage from multinational oil companies and politicians. In the cause of tome he became more a. To assist the police and any other agency in the state ruthless and a menace to society. to maintain law and order; Insurgency in ONELGA became rife in 2012 as the b. Prescribe regulations guiding operation of the „Watch electoral process was turned into a 'do or die' affair by the Corps‟ and any other local vigilante in the local politicians, giving rise to election thugs and subsequently government; resulting in cultism, kidnapping, robbery, bunkering, c. Establish a uniform ONELGA security,, planning and raping, carnage, pillage, and arson. advisory committee( referred to as the OSPAC) within the Compounding the issue at hand is the problem of crude local government with the power to carry light arms oil and its derivatives. The area became more insecure subject to police permit and as recommended by the as various cult groups led by don Waney and his likes Rivers State neighborhood Safety Agency; began to fight over compensations from crude oil; resulting in more loss of lives and properties – people Successes were killed, houses were burnt down and properties amounting to millions of naira were destroyed. As the In the short space of their operation in ONELGA, OSPAC crisis escalated, community members began fleeing to has been able to bring back reasonable peace and sanity other cities for safety. to community life, in Ogba for instance, people who In 2017, ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory abandoned their homes and took flight because of the Committee (OSPAC), a militia security agency, was incessant clashes between the Islanders and the inaugurated comprising people from the communities that Greenlanders and the various warring factions have make up ONELGA. It was not until October 2019 that the resettled back in their homes; the incessant conflicts bye-law establishing its operation has assented, between the youths, community leaders and the oil host according to sub-section (4) of section 1 of the Rivers families have subsided to a great extent in the various State neighborhood &Safety Corps Law No. 8 of 2018 communities where they have been rife. In the very Members were recruited from all the various communities words of one of the interviewees, “people can now sleep in ONELGA; and from Greenlander and Icelander, the with their two eyes closed”. prominent cult groups in the area. OSPAC is an The Port Harcourt – Rumuji – Elele – Warri road, for

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instance, was a flash point for highway robbery and 2019, when there was an attack on the community which kidnapping but with the advent of OSPAC; many of these led to the death of one of the youths that accommodated criminals have been arrested and this has helped to some OSPAC guards. OSPAC alleged that the said restore calmness and safety on the road. Another Orukwowu Odika, who had absconded since he was instance is the Elele – Egbeda – Omoku road which used declared „wanted‟, was alleged to be one of the people to be a den for kidnappers. OSPAC guards ambushed that killed the youth. Consequently, they threatened to kill them and as it is, there is relative peace on that road all members of the family and descendants of Mackintosh now. Odika Omama Sam and his brother Stanley Odika and to burn down their houses for being relatives of the alleged Failures cultist. According to the threat, they were "to burn down the houses of uncles, distant relatives, and their entire The problem of overzealousness and brutality poses a descendants and kill anyone they meet in such huge threat to private security activities in Nigeria, compounds". As one of the interviewees reported: “The especially, for those with ethnic militia orientation like entire family and descendants of Odika have packed out OPC, Bakassi Boys, and OSPAC. There have been of the community and wherever they are, they are in cases where their activities have been criticized serious apprehension as members of OSPAC have especially where they infringe on the fundamental rights vowed to kill and burn down their houses. These are of innocent citizens in their course providing security community members who themselves have also been needs. For instance, there have been reports of undue targets of attacks by the same cultists in the village." brutality meted out on innocent citizens by OPC, Bakassi, They would have maybe, followed through with the and OSPAC guards. Furthermore, many such people threat as they were known to do previously if the matter have been killed with charms and/or guns and other had not been reported to the Commissioner of Police and dangerous weapons by some overzealous ethnic militia an order issued to restrain them from taking such action. guards, a situation which has led to public repudiation Sometimes, OSPAC has also been found to encroach and criminalization of the activities of these ethnic militia into matters and communities that are not in ONELGA. security groups. These unlawful activities dwindle their There have been cases where they overstepped their initial public acceptance, leading to doubts of their bounds; at Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area, relevance in the conflict and security management. for instance, an incident occurred in the course of their As is evident in the mode of operations of private militia investigating a crime which led to the implication of an security agencies mainly formed for security purposes in innocent victim. Due to their method of operation which communities; take for instance Bakassi Boys of the does not encourage thorough investigation, the victim southeast and O‟dua Peoples' Congress of the was killed on the spot. For this reason, they were almost southwest, OSPAC exhibits unconstitutional irregularities disbanded by the State Governor. in the course of discharging their duties as is seen in countless lack of the prerequisite intelligence Challenges characterized by irrational hostility, lack of adequate and thorough crime investigative principles resulting at times OSPAC as a private security agency faces the challenge in the administration of jungle justice to offenders and of inadequate funding as the local government cannot victims alike. An instance is a case witnessed in Erema in adequately provide the necessary funds needed to Egi, of the shooting to death of one Mr. Davison Uma, his ensure effective duty discharge. The problem of training wife, and son Onyinyechi for an offense that another of is another major challenge of the agency; as is with other his sons, a known cultist and ringleader Nwakaego private security agencies in Nigeria. They are always in Davison Alias Ketu committed. Nwakaego Davidson was the habit of recruiting people with very little or no training. alleged to have been behind many killings in the Many of the private security guards undergo only physical community so when OSPAC besieged his father‟s house fitness as training while they do not know several other in search of him, he was nowhere to be found. Instead of aspects of security training like intelligence collection and taking his family members hostage to force him to analysis, martial arts, crowd control, riot control, data appear, they brought all three of them out and executed management, and automated data analysis in crime them on the spot mitigation. Lack of proper training accounts for the Another example of such a misdemeanor was what irregularities observed in their operational mode and the happened in June 2018, when OSPAC and some unconventional ways of their duty discharge. community youths in Idu Osobile burnt down Mr. The cost of registration is another challenge that Nwachukwu Dandy Odika‟s house for being the father of private security agencies face and OSPAC being one of Orukwowu Odika a cultist, who was alleged to be among them, is not exempted. Consequently, it is not registered the killers of one Okwuchukwu Nko. with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) A similar case happened on the 20th day of January the regulatory agency in charge of registration and

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regulation of all the private security agencies in Nigeria. (amount) of legal punishment for committing it (Goodrum, All private security agencies wishing to be registered are 2001; Stanford, 2015). mandated to have a minimum capital base of N10 million Morgan (1983) further identifies two basic kinds of (NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003 and Amendment Act of 2007). deterrence situations: immediate and general. Immediate Consequently, the high cost of registration has made deterrence “concerns the relationship between opposing many private security providers operate without being states where at least one side is seriously considering an license, making it difficult for the government to regulate attack while the other is mounting a threat of retaliation to and monitor their activities. prevent it"; while general deterrence "relates to The problem of poor wages and working conditions is opponents who maintain armed forces to regulate their another factor hindering effective duty discharge among relationship even though neither is anywhere near the private security agencies in the country. Despite the mounting an attack" (Morgan 1983:30). Thus, general high cost of living, many private security guards earn deterrence has to do with everyday decision making in salaries as low as N6, 000 (less than US$40) per month conflictual or adversarial relationships. (Abrahamsen & Williams, 2005). The fact that the In ONELGA, for instance, there has been direct and government has never considered prioritizing the welfare extended threats degenerating into unending conflictual of guards commissioned by various private security situations among the different factions in the companies as an integral part of the regulatory functions communities; the intervention of OSPAC has brought is not surprising as it can be viewed as an overall about immediate and general deterrence in that they assessment of the government's general attitude towards have been able to apprehend and punish culprits. the welfare of its citizens. Applying the draconic law and unorthodox method of dispute settlement exemplified in charms, amulets, and Theoretical Framework the jungle justice method serves as a deterrent to offenders thereby helping to put an end to the endemic The theoretical framework to be used for analysis in this crisis in ONELGA and bringing about relative peace in study is the deterrence theory as propounded by early the communities. General deterrence applies to the utilitarian philosophers Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy situation in ONELGA, seen in the state of relative peace Bentham who used deterrence to explain crime and also which is evident in the communities whereby people can sees it as a method to reduce it. A key assumption now carry out their everyday normal activities and underlying deterrence theory is that offenders weigh up businesses without fear of interruption by hoodlums and the pros and cons of a certain course of action and make the two conflicting cult groups in the area as the different rational choices. Hence, utilitarian philosophers believe groups and the warring factions now live in relative peace that people are motivated to obtain pleasure and avoid with each other. pain. Deterrence is the use of a threat (explicit or not) by Conclusively, utilitarian philosophers believe that the one party in an attempt to convince another party not to communities are the victims that should be protected upset the status quo. These threats have two purposes: from the activities of the cultists and conflict perpetrators; direct and extended deterrence. Direct deterrence deters OSPAC was brought into existence in ONELGA to control a direct attack on the defender while extended these conflicts thus, the purpose of the punishment deterrence, on the other hand, deters attack on one's meted out by the guards to the culprits is the protection of allies (Snyder 1961). the communities through conflict prevention and security The purpose of direct deterrence is to deter a direct management. The group‟s success in curbing crisis in the attack on the defender. In ONELGA, OSPAC is identified area can be attributed to their unique mode of operation, as the defender. Direct deterrence, therefore, serves to seen in their severe and strict nature, and application of protect them from attack, and this they ensure by using jungle justice which is instant and has the better effect of charms and amulets. Observing this trend, the warring deterring the conflicting factions as they will not want to factions follow orders which they fail to obey even when bear the brunt of the group‟s anger and punishment. the Police are involved. In reality, it could be stated that the fact that criminals and people that instigate conflict in the community can be identified and fished out through RESEARCH METHODOLOGY the unorthodox technique of crime detection (charms and amulets) deter them from breeding conflict. In extended Rivers State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria; it is deterrence, the allies are the communities in ONELGA. located in the south-south Geo-political zone of the Therefore, OSPAC, in protecting itself and in deterring country with its capital in Port Harcourt, the Garden City. the criminals and conflict perpetrators, protects the The state is a major producer of crude oil which communities. Thus, it can be stated, that crime or conflict constitutes the major source of revenue for the nation as the case may be can be deterred by increasing the Nigeria and also the main source of the unending conflict certainty (likelihood), celerity (swiftness), and severity in the area.

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Rivers State has 13 local government areas of which successes in the management of conflict situations in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) is one. It was created in communities in ONELGA, Rivers State. 1991 with a total of 626 square meters (1,621 km2); the QUESTION: OSPAC and the Police, which has produced capital city is Omoku. The local government area is part more results in reducing crime in your community? of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni/Ahoada West constituency of the Nigerian House of Representatives and named after Options Frequency Percentage the three respective Igbo(id) groups who inhabit the OSPAC 31 77.5 territory, the latter of whom is a pure stock of the Ndokwa POLICE 9 22.5 nationality located in Delta State. The indigenes are Total 40 100 renowned farmers and fishermen and they have a rich cultural history (Wikipedia, 2009). The answers from this question support the fact that OSPAC constitutes the case study used for this work; OSPAC has made a more positive impact in arresting the 10 members of the unit were selected through random problem of crime in these communities than the Police as sampling chosen through the balloting method. 10 most of the interviewees (31) 77.5% of the total respondents were also selected from the 3 prominent respondents attest to this fact as only (9) 22.5% of the communities that make up the local government – Ogba, interviewees supported the Police. From the responses Egbema, and Ndoni making up a total of 30 respondents gathered from the questionnaires, it is evident that the from the communities on the whole the sample for this emergence of OSPAC has created some positive impact study constitute 40 respondents. This was to enhance on the management of conflict/crisis and security data manageability within the time-space and period challenges in ONELGA. assigned for the paper. We, therefore, accept the hypothesis which states that The primary data collection method employed was the Private security agencies have recorded successes in the survey, consisting of the interview. The Secondary data management of conflict situations in communities in was collected through textbooks, journals, newspapers, ONELGA, Rivers State. the internet, and previous works on related topics on the subject matter. The purposive sampling method was Hypothesis 2 applied in the selection of the sample to reach the target audience (OSPAC and the communities in ONELGA) Hi: There is a significant positive relationship between the needed for the study. For data analysis, the simple involvement of private security agencies in security percentage statistical method and the chi-square were management and improved security in ONELGA employed. Question: OSPAC involvement in security matters in ONELGA has improved the security situation of the area?

DISCUSSION OF RESULT R/Qst SA A fxA % SD D fxD % TOTAL A D fx % A sample size of forty (40) was selected. The number 2 25 9 38 85 2 4 6 15 40 100 was deemed adequate considering the purpose and time frame allotted for this study. The samples were taken Analysis from the table above shows that the majority of from OSPAC and three communities within ONELGA; the interviewees (34) representing 85% agree with the these are Egi in Ogbaland, Egbema, and Ndoni statement that OSPAC involvement in security matters in communities. There were 25 males and 15 females ONELGA has improved the security situation in the area interviewed. A general analysis of all the responses will as only 6 interviewees 15% disagree with the viewpoint. be done here. We, therefore, accept the hypothesis which states that An interview section was conducted, the interviewees there is a significant positive relationship between the were asked closed and open-ended questions; answers involvement of private security agencies in security were coded, edited, and analyzed using simple management and improved security in ONELGA. The percentages. The Likert four-point rating scale of SD= result establishes the fact that there is an improvement in Strongly Agree. A= Agree. SD= Strongly Disagree. D= the security situation of communities in ONELGA due to Disagree. The statistical method was used in the analysis the presence of OSPAC. of the hypotheses. To analyze responses to the questions, likely responses were lumped together to Hypothesis 3: make for easy and manageable analysis

Hi: There is a correlation between relative peace in Hypothesis 1 ONELGA and the involvement of OSPAC in conflict management in Rivers State. Hi: Private security agencies have recorded some Question: Do you think that OSPAC involvement in

Machintoch and Davies, 10

conflict management in ONELGA has greatly reduced the jeopardize their peculiar operational modes as doing high rate of crisis in the area? otherwise will put them in the same mode as the public security agencies. R/Qst SA A fxA % A SD D fxD % D TOTAL . The officials of these militia security agencies should be fx % encouraged to develop a better security and conflict 3 27 8 35 87.5 4 1 5 12.5 40 100 management framework to control the excesses of the militia–oriented agencies without impeding their The result from the table above shows that (35) 87.5% of efficiency in conflict and security management. the total people interviewed agree with the statement that . The Federal Government should focus on an integrated OSPAC involvement in conflict management in ONELGA approach to security and conflict management whereby has improved the security situation in the area with (5) the interests of all stakeholders, especially of the oil 12.5% of the interviewees disagreeing. host communities will be catered for instead of being We, therefore, accept the hypothesis which states that insensitive to the needs of the people. is a correlation between relative peace in ONELGA and . There should be collaboration between the the involvement of OSPAC in conflict management in communities and the security guards. Community Rivers State. This means that community members members should be enlightened on the need to divulge believe that OSPAC has contributed positively towards relevant information to enhance effective security and bringing back a measure of peace and stability to conflict management. This can only be achieved when community life in the area. community members trust these agents hence the need to curb their excesses. . Private security agencies as represented by OSPAC in FURTHER FINDINGS ONELGA have contributed meaningfully to the provision of security services in the country. For optimal In as much as most community members affirm the fact performance and efficiency, therefore, the government that OSPAC has positively influenced the restoration of needs to reduce the cost of registration to enhance peace and stability in communities in ONELGA, some still effective registration and regulation of these agencies think that they have not done so well, most especially in as evidence has shown the need for the proper the way they have taken matters into their hands by using regulation of their activities. the jungle justice system. In the course of the interview, . There is also a need to create a good and conducive some interviewees commented on their dissatisfaction working environment for them to facilitate effective duty with the mode of operation of OSPAC. They stated that discharge and minimize the chances of justice despite their seeming success, they have stepped on diversion. many toes in the course of their duty discharge of which some of the interviewees identified their families as direct recipients and victims of the group's wickedness. CONCLUSION Despite these lapses, the role of militia private security agencies as represented by OSPAC cannot be over- Nigeria, a nation with many ethnic entities and different emphasized because they have recorded more socio-cultural backgrounds is characterized by very successes than public security agencies in curbing serious security problems and conflict situations due to conflict in communities in ONELGA Rivers State in the absence of definite and shared political culture particular and in Nigeria in general. It is no gainsaying among the people resulting in unending and endemically that this success could be greatly attributed to their use of weakened political institutions. Consequently, being unorthodox techniques in crime and conflict management faced with a series of insensitive governments without as is observed in their strictness and use of charms. This empathy for the people's needs, the security of the has only confirmed the assertions of Goodrum, 2001 and citizenry is greatly undermined. To compound the Stanford, 2015 that crime or conflict as the case may be, problems, the resources that accrue from crude oil from can be deterred by increasing the certainty (likelihood), Rivers State and other oil host states which should have celerity (swiftness), and severity (amount) of the been directed into the development of the area in punishment for committing it. particular, and the nation, in general, are grossly mismanaged due to the inherent and prevalent problem of maladministration and corruption by various segments RECOMMENDATIONS of the Nigerian state, most especially the ruling elite. As a result, the economic woes being suffered by the country . The government should make favorable, workable, and is further increased. relevant policies that will involve proper training of the Engrossed in the above scenario, the oil host private militia security agencies in particular and the communities of Rivers State and ONELGA, in particular, other private security agencies without hampering or being submerged in poverty and environmental

Res. J. Soc. Sci. and Humanities. 11

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