Security Expert Links Insecurity To Foreign Interests, Illegal Mining, Weak Political Will

A security expert Bala Abdullahi has attributed Nigeria’s persistent insecurity to a combination of foreign interests, illegal exploitation of mineral resources and inadequate political commitment.

He called for decisive actions to address the country’s security challenges.

At a town hall series organised by News Central Africa in Katsina, Abdullahi argued that global powers benefit from conflicts through what he described as “disaster capitalism,” alleging that instability in resource-rich countries is deliberately sustained to serve economic and geopolitical interests.

He claimed that developed nations manufacture and stockpile weapons while allegedly financing crises in countries such as Nigeria to maintain access to valuable natural resources.

According to Abdullahi, some international financial institutions and foreign intelligence agencies have historically influenced political and security developments in developing countries, including Nigeria.

He also referred to past predictions by some foreign analysts that Nigeria would disintegrate, saying those forecasts did not materialise.

While acknowledging that some of the issues he raised were security-sensitive, Abdullahi stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, local communities and the international community in tackling insecurity.

He also urged policymakers to adopt strategies that address the root causes of conflict, warning that prolonged insecurity had contributed to political disorientation and could continue to affect the country’s political stability.

His presentation, focused on the role of illegal mining and governance failures in fueling insecurity, particularly in Katsina State.

He alleged that areas stretching from Jibia, Safana and Batagarawa contain significant deposits of gold and other solid minerals, arguing that competition over these resources has contributed to criminal activities in the region.

Recalling events from the early 1990s, Abdulahi said former military president Ibrahim Babangida visited parts of Katsina following reports of mineral discoveries in the area.

He further alleged that some illegal miners, politicians and members of security agencies were involved in activities that have worsened insecurity, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.