RESEARCH PROPOSAL

ON

TOPIC:

THE NIGER DELTA CRISIS IJAW/ITSEKIRI FROM 1997MARCH

TO SEPTEMBER 1999, IT’S IMPACT ON NIGERIAN

NATIONAL SECURITY
Introduction

The conflict between the Itsekiri and the Ijaws reportedly flared up again in June

1999 and "several" people died (ibid., 15 June 1999). Post Express states that, "the

Warri carnage is not only symptomatic of the numerous problems facing the peoples

of the Niger Delta region, but also an exposé of an unwillingness by the government

over the years to address problems which possess potent capability to affect the

stability of the nation the crisis had a more enduring motive than the relocation of

the Headquarters from Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw land) to Ogidigben (Itsekiri land) ", and

"centres around resource-sharing" (ibid.).

The district of Warri in Delta State, has been the scene of ethnic and territorial

conflicts between the Itsekeri and the Ijaws since March 1997, when ethnic violence

broke out between the Ijaws and the Itsekeris following a government decision to

relocate the headquarters of the Warri south local government council from an Ijaw

community to a community belonging to the Itsekeris (AFP 23 Apr. 1997; DPA 16

June 1997; ibid. 24 Apr. 1997; Reuters 27 Apr. 1997).

With a population of approximately five million people, the Ijaw are reportedly

Nigeria's fourth largest ethnic group. However, they are scattered in six states, which

makes them minorities in these states (ibid.). The relocation of the municipality to

Warri allegedly angered the Ijaws who interpreted this as "further evidence of their

marginalization" (ibid.). An AFP report claims that more than 80 people died in the
clashes and the army was ordered to intervene (23 Apr. 1997). The conflict allegedly

strained the relations between the "three ethnic groups: the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri,

that make aboriginal claims to [Warri] (Post Express Wired 23 Apr. 1997). Nigerian

troops were deployed to Warri "after five people including a policeman, were shot

dead and several others wounded in continuing inter-ethnic fighting" (AFP 23 Apr.

1997).

At a peace meeting between youths and leaders of the Ijaw and the Itsekiri at Effon

near Warri, the warring parties agreed to end the hostilities (West Africa 19-25 May

1997, 783). "Colonel David Dungs, and the general officer commanding the 82nd

Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Felix Mojapero, presided over the

deliberations that produced assurances from both warring parties that the safety of

all persons and companies operating in Warri would be guaranteed Major-General

Mojapero later warned that the leaders will be held responsible for any fresh

outbreaks of violence in the area" (ibid.). Men of the Nigeria Police Force who come

from Ijaw or Itsekiri were removed from the area "to ensure safety of the officers

and check any partisanship in the ethnic crisis" (Post Express Wired, 24 June 1997).

A statement issued by the Warri Council of Chiefs claimed that "about 3,000 Itsekiris

have either been wounded or maimed since the hostilities began while at least 100

Itsekiri boats have been burnt or seized as a result of the blockade between Warri-

Escarvos and Warri-Benin River"(Post Express Wired 2 May 1997). People arrested
for their alleged involvement in the conflict were all "screened and releases except

those who possessed arms illegally" (ibid. 6 July 1997), but the report does not

indicate their names.

In October 1997, security forces reportedly attacked an Ijaw village killing one

person and arresting 58 others in retaliation for the disappearance of four soldiers

who had "disappeared on patrol in mysterious circumstances" (CNN 2 Oct. 1997).

The soldiers were allegedly part of a task force sent to restore order in the Delta

region. "14 houses were burned down and over 20 boats destroyed in the attack on

the fishing village of Ekeremor-Zion" (ibid.).

In November 1998 the Concerned Itsekiri Women led by Dr. Joyce Ugochukwu,

Mrs. Uwala Murphy-Akpieyi and Mrs. Esima Kpogho, "on behalf" of Itsekiri people

appealed to the Federal Government to "help stop the genocide" against Itsekiri, and

to remove the State Administrator Walter Feghabo, an Ijaw, for taking sides in the

conflict (Post Express Wired 13 Nov. 1998).

Aims and Objectives of the study

The main objective of this study is to comprehensively analyze the impact of

the Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict on Nigerian national security, with a specific focus on the

Niger Delta region. The following research objectives will guide the study:
i. To examine the historical roots and contextual factors that have

contributed to the emergence and perpetuation of the Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict

in the Niger Delta.

ii. To identify and analyze the causes and dynamics of the conflict, including

resource competition, political exclusion, identity politics, and power

struggles between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.

iii. To assess the socio-economic impacts of the conflict on the Niger Delta

region, including the effects on agriculture, fishing, trade, livelihoods, and

overall human development.

iv. To investigate the threats posed by the conflict to Nigeria's economic

stability and energy infrastructure, particularly in relation to oil production,

government revenue, foreign investment, and employment opportunities.

v. To analyze the environmental degradation and ecological insecurity

resulting from the conflict, and their implications for the livelihoods of

local communities and broader social unrest.

vi. To explore the social and humanitarian consequences of the conflict,

including displacement, violence, and human rights violations.

vii. To examine the regional and international implications of the Niger Delta

crisis, including its potential to impact neighboring countries, transnational

criminal activities, and regional stability.

Significance of the Study

This study holds significant importance for various stakeholders involved in

addressing the Niger Delta crisis and safeguarding Nigerian national security. The

findings of this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the

Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict and its implications. The study will provide policymakers,

security agencies, and other relevant actors with valuable insights into the historical,

socio-economic, and security dimensions of the conflict.

Research Methodology

This study will employ a mixed-methods approach to gather and analyze data.

Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be utilized to ensure a comprehensive

understanding of the Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict and its impact on Nigerian national

security.

Qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus group discussions,

and document analysis, will be used to explore the historical context, causes,

dynamics, and socio-economic impacts of the conflict. Key stakeholders, including

community leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and members

of the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, will be interviewed to gain their perspectives

and insights. Focus group discussions will provide an opportunity to facilitate

dialogue and gather collective viewpoints on the conflict. Documents such as

historical records, academic literature, policy documents, and media reports will be

analyzed to enrich the understanding of the conflict.

Quantitative research methods will be employed to examine the quantitative

aspects of the conflict, such as economic data, statistical indicators, and

environmental impact assessments. Data related to economic stability, energy

infrastructure, environmental degradation, and social indicators will be collected

from reliable sources, including government reports, industry databases, and

existing datasets. Statistical analysis and data visualization techniques will be

applied to identify trends, patterns, and correlations.

The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will provide a robust

and comprehensive analysis of the Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict and its implications for

Nigerian national security.

Scope of the Study

This study will focus specifically on the Niger delta crisis ijaw/itsekiri from

1997March to September 1999, it’s impact on Nigerian national security. While

other ethnic groups and factors may play a role in the broader Niger Delta crisis, the

research will primarily examine the dynamics between the Ijaw and Itsekiri

communities.

The study will encompass a historical analysis of the conflict, tracing its roots

and examining the key causes and dynamics that have perpetuated the tensions
between the two ethnic groups. It will also explore the socio-economic impacts on

the Niger Delta region, including the effects on agriculture, fishing, trade,

livelihoods, and human development.

Furthermore, the research will investigate the threats posed by the conflict to

Nigeria's economic stability and energy infrastructure, the environmental

degradation and ecological insecurity resulting from the conflict, and the social and

humanitarian consequences faced by the affected communities. The study will also

consider the regional and international implications of the Niger Delta crisis.

However, it is important to note that this study has limitations in terms of

geographical scope and timeframe. The research focuses primarily on the

Ijaw/Itsekiri conflict within the Niger Delta region and may not cover all aspects of

the broader Niger Delta crisis. Additionally, the study will be conducted within a

specific timeframe, considering the available data and information up until the

present.

The findings of this study will contribute to the existing knowledge on the

Niger Delta crisis, provide insights for policymakers, and inform strategies aimed at

resolving the conflict, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding

Nigerian national security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ijaw-Itsekiri conflict in the Niger Delta has significant

implications for Nigerian national security. The historical, socio-economic, and

political dynamics underlying the conflict have contributed to environmental

degradation, economic disparities, political instability, and security challenges.

Resolving the conflict requires addressing the root causes, promoting equitable

resource distribution, economic development, and social welfare, and fostering

dialogue and reconciliation among the affected communities. Collaboration between

the Nigerian government, international actors, and regional organizations is crucial

to achieving lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta region and ensuring the

stability and development of Nigeria as a whole.

 ENDNOTES

Agence France Presse (AFP). 23 April 1997. "Urgent: Nigeria Deploys Troops After

Five More Killed in Warri." (NEXIS)

CNN. 2October 1997. "Nigerian Troops Attack Ijaw Village in Oil Region."

Deutsche-Presse-Agentur (DPA). 16 June 1997. "Warri Fighting Flares Up Again in

Nigeria." (NEXIS)

_____. 24 April 1997. "Ethnic Fighting in Nigeria, Three Killed." (NEXIS)

Post Express Wired [Ikeja]. 12 July 1999. Oghenetega Emerhor. "The Price of

Disunity."

_____. 15 June 1999. Leanard Nzenwa Jnr. "Warri Crisis: The National Assembly

to the Rescue."

_____. 2 June 1999. "The Crux of the Niger-Delta Matter."

_____. 13 November 1998. "Itsekiris Want Delta Administrator Removed."

_____. 24 June 1997. "Ijaw, Itsekiri Policemen Transferred from Warri."

_____. 7 June 1997. "Warri Crisis: Task Force Releases Detainees."

_____. 2 May 1997. Ifeka Ukadike, Warri and Dele Ogunyemi. "Ijaws, Itsekiris

Resort to Propaganda."

_____. 23 April 1997. Okey Ifionu."Changing Face of Delta Politics in the Wake of

the Recent Warri Upheavals."

Reuters. 27 April 1997. James Jukwey. "Nigeria Risks Ogoni-Type Crisis in Tribal

Feud." (NEXIS)

West Africa [London]. 19-25 May 1997. "Warri Talks."