Distinction between Traditional Security and Modern Security: A Conceptual Discourse

Abstract

This paper examines the differences between traditional security and modern or human security. The paper also peeps into the spate and dimensions of insecurity in Nigeria. The paper adopted qualitative research design and draws its argument basically from secondary data which include journal articles, textbooks and internet sources. The technique of content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected which helped us to make interpretations coherently. The paper concludes that the more fundamental basis for security lies in freedom from poverty, disease, hunger, arbitrary power, joblessness and ignorance. A country that invests heavily on modern or human security may not have to spend much efforts and money in fighting crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, political motivated assassination, bombing, herdsmen militancy, student unrest, vociferous separatist agitations and other forms of violent crimes. Therefore, this paper recommends among others that government in developing nations especially Nigeria should intensify effort in eradicating poverty, disease, hunger and ignorance through sustainable development programmes.