National Security and Crime Management in Nigeria: Does Library Have a Role?

Every nation seeks peace, unity, and harmony. Nigeria faces unprecedented security threats from terrorism, kidnappings, armed robbery, ethnic and religious conflicts, and corruption. While the Federal Government has adopted national security strategies emphasizing whole-of-government approaches, intelligence capabilities, and international partnerships, a critical gap remains in leveraging information institutions. Libraries and information centers serve as repositories of knowledge with transformative potential to combat crime and insecurity through public education, awareness campaigns, and promotion of peace and tolerance. This paper examines national security challenges in Nigeria and demonstrates how libraries, working collaboratively with government agencies, security forces, and community stakeholders, can play a vital role in managing crime, reducing poverty, promoting reconciliation, and building sustainable peace for national development.