CHAPTER ONE​

1. Background to the Study

It is obvious that rural farmers and livestock breeders are the primary sources of the food in Africa, particularly for the urban areas of most countries including Nigeria. Of recent, livestock breeders particularly Transhumant Pastoralist and sedentary/migrant farmers have engaged each other in an internecine warfare that is threatening the peace and stability of our country. Williams (2005) noticed that the conflict had been primarily about resource use, damage to crops, blocking of transhumant corridors, farming along the valleys and stream/river banks and uncomplimentary agricultural policies by government. However, of recent, the conflict has assumed a dangerous dimension with the infusion of ethnic, religious and political factors into it. Cattle rustling, availability of dangerous weapons, intra-pastoralist conflicts, mercenary elements and dangerous drugs has all added to the combustion.  

Abdu (2010) stated that over the past three years, north central Nigeria has been experiencing a lingering conflict between herdsmen and farmers. While the crop farmers accused the herdsmen of destruction of their crops and contamination of community water points while the herdsmen accuse the crop farmers of denying them access to grazing areas and occasionally rustling their cattle. The cause for concern is the invasion of vast areas in the region by armed mercenaries under the cover of herdsmen, leading to the desolation of rural villages and displacement of rural dwellers in several areas as well as heightening insecurity. These conflict zones in North-Central Nigeria are Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Southern Kaduna and Taraba States where the intensity is much felt. The attendant consequences of these clashes are better imagined than described in communities where they occurred. Ayih (2003) and Gyuse andAjene (2006), argued that these conflicts have become pervasive to the extent that virtually every area in North-Central has unresolved conflict at various stages of escalation or de-escalation.

Ground radar technology can play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s National security against potential future attacks. Specifically, it enables the local government, state government, the nation at large and its security apparatus to identify potential threats, share information more readily, provide mechanisms to protect the nation, and develop response capabilities. Ground radar technology is a Surveillance system that has the capabilities to monitor most sensitive equipment’s and public places of farmer - nomadic pastoralist.

The word Surveillance is applied to monitoring from a distance by means of digital device such as high definition weather proof CCTV cameras, or interception of electronically transmitted information such as internet traffic or phone calls.  According to Kathori (2004), surveillance is the system for collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data and information on an ongoing basis. It is also a mechanical or electronic system or device that enables continuous or periodic video recording, observation or monitoring of an individual or group.

Cerezo (2013) asserted that the benefits of security surveillance by Ground Radar Technology to monitor farmer- nomadic pastoralists’in conflict zones in Nigeria are numerous. In a way, it is expected that the security system provides a surreptitious or secret monitoring of people's activities. It is also factual that globally, Ground Radar Technology provides an unimpeded real-time monitoring and report to the federal law enforcement agencies and other governmental organizations. Provision of quick and prompt response by the system is also sure when there is a security breach or problem. It has also become a fact that the system makes the location and tracking of law fugitives easier. It is true that there have been positive implications of Ground Radar Technology across the globe. It is true that the surveillance ensures a more secured and safer environment conducive for meaningful, socio-economic development, safety of lives and property (Daniels, 2004).

The recent security challenges in Nigeria have accentuated the deep schism in the polity and the conflicts in some of our neighbouring countries have led to the availability of illegal and sophisticated weapons. To adequately address Nigerian security challenges, modern intelligence gathering devices such as Ground Rada Technology must be acquired and deployed by security services, deliberate and conscious efforts must be put in place so that socio economic activities can prosper. This research therefore addresses the role of ground radar technology in security surveillance of farmer – nomadic pastoralists’ from the perspective of unimpeded intelligence gathering, real-time surreptitious surveillance and interception, secure communication among law enforcement agencies and identity establishment and verification ofon Farmer - Nomadic Pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Insecurity is a primary area of concern in most parts of Nigeria for more than a decade. A large percentage of the population has fallen victims of the insecurity concerns. The most affected of all are the nomadic pastoralists and the farmers in the north central parts of Nigeria. The insecurity issue proves unsafe for Nigeria to grow economically. However, it is vital to note that several methods have been put in place to combat the problem. Perhaps the most famous one being the ground radar technology in security surveillance of farmer –nomadic pastoralistin conflict zones in Nigeria. The other proposed solutions seem not to work, but the surveillance system is proving a significant option. Technology has come to stay, though expensive it has been tested across the globe. Nigeria will sink into trouble if adequate measures are not put in place. Ground radar technology in security surveillance from the perception of unimpeded intelligence gathering, real-time surreptitious surveillance and interception, secure communication and identity establishment and verification is a solution that can play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s national security against potential future attack. 

.1.3      Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered:

1. To what extent will Ground Radar Technology facilitate in unimpeded Intelligence gathering of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria?  
2. How willGround Radar Technology assist in Real-time surreptitious Surveillance and Interception offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria?  
3. What are the effects of using Ground Radar Technologyto Secure Communication among law enforcement agencies infarmer - nomadic pastoralist conflict zones in Nigeria?  
4. To what extent will the application of Ground Radar Technologyassist in identity establishment and verification offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria?  
5. What are the challenges of using Ground Radar Technology in security surveillance offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria?  

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the roles of Ground Radar Technology with respect to security surveillance of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: 

1. To examine the extent to which Ground Radar Technologyfacilitate in unimpeded Intelligence gathering of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
2. To determine how Ground Radar Technology assist Real-time surreptitious Surveillance and Interception of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
3. To examine the effects of using Ground Radar Technologyto Secure Communication among law enforcement agencies infarmer - nomadic pastoralist conflict zones inNigeria.
4. To examine the extent to which the application of Ground Radar Technologyassist in Identity establishment and verification offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
5. To examine thechallenges of using Ground Radar Technology in security surveillance of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

1.5       Statement of Hypotheses

The following hypotheses will be tested: 

1. Ground Radar Technology do not significantly facilitate unimpeded Intelligence gathering offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
2. Ground Radar Technology do not significantly assist Real-time surreptitiousSurveillance and Interception offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
3. Ground Radar Technology do not significantly affect Secure Communication among law enforcement agencies offarmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria
4. Ground Radar Technology do not significantly affect the application of Identity establishment and verification ofFarmer - Nomadic Pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.
5. Ground Radar Technology do not significantly have challenges in security surveillance ofFarmer - Nomadic Pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

1.6       Significance of the Study              

This research work is of great importance to the armoury of military forces and security services in their battle to fight crime and to manage community clashes more effectively. It will assist them in intelligence gathering, real-time monitoring, secure communication, identity establishment and verification of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

The result of this research will be beneficial to the government as they will see the need to use ground radar technology for security surveillance of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zone in Nigeria thereby, deploying military troops when necessary.

The result of this research will be beneficial to communities of farmer - nomadic pastoralist, ina way that, ground round radar technology willmanage conflicts in such communities to create a safer environment for the citizens.

Furthermore, this research will be of value to the policy makers and regulators such that they will gain insight on extent of the conflict in the zones.Effectivesecurity surveillance tool will help stop or minimize the problem of insecurity in such areas. This will influence policy makers formulating informed policies concerning the overall security of the country Nigeria.

This research will also provide basis for reference in future research. The scholars, researchers, students, security services will find this study valuable as they will gain knowledge and carry out further studies on the roles of ground radar technology in security surveillance of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

1.7       Scope of the Study

The research area is Plateau state. The study iscentered on the roles of Ground Radar Technology in security surveillance of farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria from 2009to 2018. The period under review is relevant in view of the increased frequency of attacks attributed farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.  The research examine the roles of Ground Radar Technology in Security Surveillance with regard to effectiveness in unimpeded Intelligence gathering,Real-time surreptitious Surveillance and Interception,Secure communication among law enforcement agencies, andIdentity establishment and verificationon farmer - nomadic pastoralist in conflict zones in Nigeria.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

These terms are defined according to the context of this study:

Farmer - Nomadic pastoralists’ conflict: This refers to the conflict that exist between pastoral farmers and crop farmers that often leads to destruction of lives and property in various communities.

Security Surveillance: Security Surveillance involves the use of ground radar technology to combat farmer - nomadic pastoralist conflict. From the perception of effectiveness in unimpeded Intelligence gathering, Real-time surreptitious Surveillance and Interception, Secure Communication among law enforcement agencies, and Identity establishment and verification of former - nomadic pastoralists conflict zones in Nigeria.