THIS IS NIGERIA
Security problems and new strategies – An Interview with Jamil Abdallah Akkari

Nigeria, a land that has become Entrenched with pockets of criminality is actually quite different in respect to common misunderstandings. We had the opportunity to interview an expert of counter-terrorism and security management working for one of the leading private companies of the sector in Nigeria and West Africa.
The interview was released by Jamil Abdallah Akkari, Director for the Government and Corporate Affairs. SecPro Africa Ltd.
Before approaching the questions let us present a brief excursus that Abdallah proposed to understand some of the main features of the Nigerian culture and social structure. One of the most important aspects to consider in the analysis of Nigeria (and most African countries) is the problem of ethnicity: the Nigerian territory hosts a great variety of people. About 250 tribes live in the country in a post colonial unity which is sometimes not as stable and unified as the government would aspire.
Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are the main three ethnic groups that inhabit the Nigerian land. Most of the Hausa live in the North of the country and where over 95% are Muslims.
The Yoruba and the less numerous Igbo respectively live in the Southern States. The different groups and clans often clash on different themes and fight over cultural influence and religion but despite these controversies the most important identity is to be considered “Nigerian”, the ethnic belonging is now a secondary factor for young people and this is bringing new life and hope to a neo patriotic push.
The country is divided into 36 different States over a massive surface of 923.768 Km2 and an estimated population of 200 million people. This data makes Nigeria the most populated country in Africa and one of the leading powers of the rising African countries.
Nigeria is not only socially and economically important for the macro region (west Africa) but it is also a symbol for many other African and non African powers. Apart from the clear influence over the oil market Nigeria is also perceived as an example from the neighboring territories. The cultural and social influence is diverse and well rooted in Nigeria and the economical influence comes from the Southern oil producing states as well as Lagos State.
Nigeria is a fascinating and very rich land in many ways. Despite this it has been and is now still facing deep problems due to it’s history and the present geopolitical situation. In the article we will treat some of the major issues regarding the spread of Boko Haram, criminality and piracy.


