[Page 682]Nigeria is a federal republic in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Republic of Benin and on the east by Chad and Cameroon. Nigeria’s population is estimated at 170 million, making it the most populous country in Africa, and its economy is reported to be the largest in Africa. Because of its dominant size and economy, which positions it as a regional power, Nigeria is often referred to as the African giant. As such, Nigeria sees itself as having the responsibility to provide security for its population, the West African subregion, and the whole of Africa. Nigeria also believes that its security needs are tied to the security of other African states. In its quest to meet its domestic and African security ...