The Chief of Army Staff emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to address poverty and unemployment to prevent long-term insecurity and instability in the country.
This statement was made during the presentation of the first strategic personality lecture at the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.
He highlighted that unemployment and poverty contribute significantly to security challenges as they make individuals vulnerable to being recruited by criminal and violent non-state actors.
He stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach in Nigeria involving all stakeholders to create a unified response to threats. This approach requires improved communication, cooperation, and trust among various sectors aligned with national interests and security objectives.
Addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and social injustice, is crucial according to the Chief of Army Staff.
He also mentioned the vulnerability of Nigeria due to porous borders, allowing adversaries from West Africa to infiltrate the country. This situation is exacerbated by the presence of terror groups with transnational connections in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognizing the complexity of security challenges, he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among different agencies, with the Nigerian Army working closely with others to ensure the safety and security of the nation.