Corruption and Challenges of National Security in North Central Nigeria: An Appraisal

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out the major reasons for the existence of corruption in contemporary Nigeria, the existing relationship between corruption and Nigeria's national security and whether corruption has effects on Nigeria's national security.  Methodology: The methodology adopted was descriptive survey carried out in North Central States region of Nigeria using primary method of data collection via random sampling technique and data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS software which percentages, mean and standard deviation were computed using one-way ANOVA to test the hypothesis in order to determine the relationship between variables.  Results: The study found out that corruption significantly affects Nigerians national security and further revealed that lack of effective institutional checks was one of the major factors that gave rise to corruption, while corruption has impeded development in Nigeria by promoting poverty, inequality, unemployment, rising wave of crime and other social vices. The findings recommended strong institutional checks in the fight against corruption at all levels, depoliticization of anti-graft agencies, election of citizens with proven integrity into positions of authority and aggressive move by government at all levels to improve the welfare of citizens by poverty reduction, education and promoting equal opportunities to social and economic survival.  Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The study has contributed in adding value to the existing pool of knowledge and policy makers in efforts to win the fight against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria particularly in North Central States which have been badly hit by corruption and insecurity as well as underdeveloped.