OPINION - Root Causes Of High Insecurity In Nigeria: Insights By APGA National Chairman The Call For Stronger Leadership

Written by Nduka Anyanwu 

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized that addressing Nigeria’s pervasive insecurity requires a comprehensive understanding of its root causes. During his address, he identified several critical factors fueling the crisis and called for decisive, strong leadership to curb the menace effectively.

1. Political Neglect and Corruption

Ezeokenwa pointed out that decades of political neglect and systemic corruption have severely undermined Nigeria’s security architecture. Corruption diverts essential resources meant for national security, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust. Political leaders often prioritize personal or sectional gains over the collective safety of the nation, resulting in inadequate security responses and a lack of accountability.

2. Poor Intelligence and Security Apparatus

He highlighted that Nigeria’s security agencies suffer from poor intelligence gathering, miss coordination, and inadequate resources. This hampers their capacity to preempt and respond effectively to threats such as insurgency, banditry, and terrorism. The absence of a robust intelligence network leaves security forces reactive rather than proactive, allowing insurgents and criminals to operate with relative impunity.

3. Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, Unemployment, and Marginalization

Ezeokenwa stressed that socioeconomic hardship is a significant driver of insecurity. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and marginalization create fertile ground for recruitment into criminal and insurgent groups. Disaffected youth, lacking economic opportunities and social inclusion, are vulnerable to manipulation and radicalization, fueling violence and unrest.

4. Illegal Arms and Cross-Border Infiltration

He further noted that illegal arms proliferation and cross-border infiltration exacerbate insecurity. Illicit weapons flood the country from neighboring regions, fueling conflicts and violence. Cross-border criminal activities, including smuggling and trafficking, undermine national sovereignty and complicate efforts to restore peace.

The Call for Stronger Leadership

Ezeokenwa concluded by asserting that strong, visionary leadership is crucial to overcoming these challenges. He emphasized that:

Leaders must prioritize genuine anti-corruption measures and ensure accountability within security agencies.

Investment in intelligence, technology, and community policing is essential for effective security management.

Socioeconomic development programs should be intensified to address root causes—creating jobs, reducing poverty, and promoting social inclusion.

Diplomatic and strategic efforts are needed to control illegal arms influx and secure borders.