FG, International Partners, Citizens Must Unite To End Insecurity, Violence – IPCR

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for stronger collaboration among citizens, government institutions, and international partners to break the cycle of insecurity and violence across Nigeria.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a strategic dialogue on the intersection of terrorism, criminal economies and the future of violence in Nigeria.

Ochogwu said growing cooperation among stakeholders reflected a shared determination to restore stability and address the root causes of insecurity affecting many communities nationwide.

He said that the extensive research conducted by the institute indicates that sustained reforms and coordinated interventions can significantly reduce violent crimes and criminal activities.

He said that the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies and paramilitary organisations have continued to make sacrifices in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and related threats.

The IPCR boss noted that insecurity cannot permanently be addressed through military operations alone, stressing the need for governance reforms and stronger accountability systems.

“Government institutions, citizens and international partners are becoming increasingly united in efforts to break the cycle of violence and restore stability in vulnerable communities.

“Violence has no future in Nigeria if governance deficits are addressed, justice institutions strengthened and perpetrators held accountable for their actions,” he said.

Ochogwu identified local government autonomy, ongoing governance reforms and discussions on state policing as measures capable of improving security outcomes nationwide.

He also advocated stronger sanctions against criminal elements, speedy prosecution of offenders and reforms within the correctional system to deter violent behaviour.

Mr Lennart Oestergaard, the Resident Representative of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nigeria, described Nigeria’s security environment as increasingly complex and interconnected.

He said distinctions between terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activities had become blurred, creating new challenges for policymakers and security institutions.

Oestergaard noted that criminal networks had continued to flourish in areas characterised by weak governance, porous borders and limited economic opportunities.

He called for an integrated responses that combine security operations, justice reforms, economic development and accountable governance to build resilience within affected communities.

Mr Peter Maduoma, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, said that insecurity had evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise sustained by illicit economic activities.

He added that kidnapping for ransom, trafficking and illegal taxation imposed by armed groups had created alternative systems of control in some communities.

Maduoma therefore stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and policies that address the socioeconomic factors contributing to insecurity and violent extremism.

He urged the stakeholders to develop practical recommendations capable of dismantling criminal economies and strengthening institutional responses to emerging threats.

Other participants at the dialogue agreed that tackling Nigeria’s security challenges required comprehensive approach that combine security measures with governance, development and justice sector reforms.

They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among citizens, government institutions, and international partners would help build a safer and more peaceful Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)