Developing an Original Framework for Analysing the Security-Development Nexus in Nigerian Conflict Zones

The security-development nexus, the theoretical relationship between security provision and developmental outcomes, is operationally important in Nigerian conflict zones where security operations interact with development programming, but no framework specifically designed for Nigerian conflict ecology analysis has been developed. This study developed an original analytical framework for the security-development nexus in Nigerian conflict zones, drawing on evidence from the North East insurgency zone, the Middle Belt herder-farmer conflict zone, and the Niger Delta resource conflict zone. A multi-site comparative framework development methodology was employed, combining systematic review of security-development nexus literature from 2018 to 2024 (54 publications), analysis of 45 development programme evaluations from conflict-affected Nigerian states, and structured consultations with 25 security sector reform specialists, development practitioners, and policy researchers. The systematic review confirmed that existing security-development nexus frameworks, primarily derived from Afghanistan and Iraq contexts, inadequately theorise the subnational heterogeneity of conflict ecology in Nigeria, the role of ethnic and religious identity in shaping security-development interaction dynamics, the distinction between livelihood-based and ideological conflict types, and the specific governance capacity requirements for effective sequencing of security and development interventions. The original Nigerian Security-Development Nexus Framework proposes a conflict ecology typology and zone-specific intervention sequencing logic. Expert review by 18 security sector and development specialists confirmed the framework's original analytical contribution. The framework is recommended for adoption by the DSS, NSA, and major development donors including USAID and DFID Nigeria.

Keywords: security-development nexus, conflict zones, Nigeria, analytical framework, original contribution