House Highlights Root Causes of Insecurity, Advocates Stronger Police, Civil Defence

By Afolabi Nelson

The House of Representatives has identified poverty, youth unemployment, illiteracy, weak local governance, misinformation, and ideological radicalisation as major drivers of insecurity across Nigeria.

The declaration came during a 2026 budget defence session with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

Gen. Oluyede urged that the Police and Civil Defence be strengthened to support security operations, noting that the Armed Forces alone cannot fully secure the country.

He emphasized that these agencies, with larger personnel numbers, could maintain stability in areas cleared of bandits by the military.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said contemporary security challenges are dynamic and require more than military action.

While acknowledging the Armed Forces’ role in countering insurgency and criminality, he stressed that sustainable peace depends on complementary non-kinetic strategies.

Benson praised the military’s sacrifices and achievements in securing the nation and maintaining critical assets, highlighting that national development is impossible without ensuring the safety of lives and property across all regions.