Challenges of Community Based Security Approaches Among Communities in Gombe and Adamawa State

Abstract

Since the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, security has become increasingly fragile in many developing regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to face violent conflicts and organized crimes. The nature of war has shifted from interstate to intrastate conflicts, often manifesting as insurgencies led by Non-State Armed Actors (NSAAs). Data from the Council on Foreign Relations’ Invisible Armies Insurgency Tracker recorded 72 active insurgencies across 45 countries by 2012, with the majority occurring in Asia and Africa. The consequences of these insurgencies are devastating, affecting societies, economies, and governance systems. Visible impacts include civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and limited access to health and education facilities. Intangible impacts are equally severe, including the collapse of state institutions, eroded trust in government, broken social relationships, and widespread psychological trauma. Addressing both categories of impacts is essential for recovery and stability. This paper specifically analyzes challenges of community-based security approaches (CBASM) in Gombe and Adamawa States. Relying on secondary data and guided by functionalist theory, the study reveals that while community security models provide localized responses to insecurity, they remain insufficient without formal collaboration. Therefore, the research recommends enhanced partnerships between CBASM initiatives and government security agencies to jointly address the root causes, effects, and risks of conflict and violence. Advocacy, community engagement, and integration of CBASM into broader governance frameworks are essential to ensuring sustainable peace and security in fragile contexts.