Big Data and National Security Threats in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies

Nigeria faces persistent national security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime, and communal violence, which have significant socio-economic and governance implications. This study investigates the role of big data analytics in mitigating these security threats by analyzing structured and unstructured data from multiple sources. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates literature review, case studies, and government policy analysis to assess the effectiveness of big data analytics in intelligence gathering, surveillance, cybersecurity, and early threat detection. The findings reveal that while big data enhances predictive capabilities and situational awareness, challenges such as data privacy concerns, infrastructure deficits, and ethical dilemmas must be addressed. The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks, improving technical capacity, and fostering public-private partnerships to maximize the potential of big data in national security strategies. The implications suggest that a data-driven approach can significantly improve Nigeria's ability to respond proactively to emerging security threats while balancing privacy and civil liberties.