Governance Beyond Military Force, Key To Ending Insecurity — Okogwu

National Leader of African Democratic Congress Persons With Disabilities (ADCPWD), Dr. Chike Okogwu, has said that Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be solved through military operations alone, insisting that justice, good governance, economic opportunity and public trust are equally critical.

In a statement released on Sunday titled “The Man, The Rottweilers and The Marauders: Nigeria Cannot Afford to Keep Holding the Leash,” Okogwu stressed that while security agencies continue to sacrifice lives fighting terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, deeper governance failures keep fueling violence.

“Security cannot be achieved through weapons alone. Security requires effective governance, economic opportunity, community trust, technology, intelligence and justice. Most importantly, security requires leadership,” he said.

Okogwu compared Nigeria’s security architecture to an estate owner who restrained trained Rottweilers while marauders attacked.

“The dogs represent the security forces, while the owner represents political leadership,” he added.

He said personnel on the frontlines are often expected to deliver results under restrictions, inadequate support, poor coordination, delayed procurement and political interference. Despite rising security budgets, corruption, intelligence failures and weak inter-agency collaboration continue to undermine efforts.

Okogwu noted that insecurity disproportionately affects Persons With Disabilities. Attacks and displacement leave PWDs more vulnerable due to limited mobility, lack of accessible information and absence of disability-inclusive emergency response.

He warned that normalizing violence poses the greatest threat to national development. “The greatest danger is the acceptance of violence as normal and the belief that nothing can change, the public confidence in government is fast eroding.” he stated .

The ADC policy strategist urged leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, improve intelligence-sharing and remove unnecessary restraints on security agencies.

“The question is whether those holding the leash are prepared to secure the nation before the people lose faith altogether,” he said.