The Campaign for Dignity Governance has thrown its weight behind the position of Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, on the urgent need for a broader, more strategic, and people-centered approach to addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
In a comprehensive statement issued in Lagos following a leadership review session, the Convener of the group, Razaq Olokoba, described the Senator’s position as timely, insightful, and reflective of a realistic understanding of the evolving nature of insecurity in the country.
According to Olokoba, recent security incidents across different parts of Nigeria continue to highlight the limitations of a strategy that relies predominantly on military force, without equal emphasis on addressing the underlying socio-economic conditions that fuel instability.
“While the role of the military remains indispensable in maintaining national security, it is increasingly evident that force alone cannot resolve the deeper issues driving insecurity. What is required is a more balanced and comprehensive approach that tackles both the symptoms and the root causes,” he stated.
The Campaign for Dignity Governance noted that insecurity in Nigeria is deeply connected to structural challenges such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and social exclusion. It stressed that these factors create environments where frustration, vulnerability, and disillusionment can be exploited, thereby sustaining cycles of violence and instability.
Olokoba explained that without deliberate efforts to address these foundational issues, gains achieved through military operations may only be temporary, as new threats continue to emerge from unresolved socio-economic conditions.
He further emphasised that investment in human capital development must be placed at the centre of Nigeria’s security strategy. According to him, access to quality education, improved healthcare systems, and expanded economic opportunities are critical tools in reducing vulnerability and strengthening social stability.
“Security is not just about the absence of conflict; it is about the presence of opportunity, dignity, and hope. When citizens, especially young people, are empowered through education and employment, the appeal of extremism and criminality diminishes significantly,” Olokoba added.
The group also highlighted the importance of strengthening community-based approaches to security, noting that local engagement is essential for building trust, gathering intelligence, and fostering cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
It pointed out that traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers play a crucial role in shaping values, promoting tolerance, and discouraging violence at the grassroots level.
According to the group, these stakeholders often have closer connections to the people and can serve as effective channels for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social reorientation.
The Campaign for Dignity Governance further called for stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments in addressing security challenges, emphasising that insecurity is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action across all levels of governance.
Olokoba also noted that ongoing discussions around constitutional reforms and decentralisation of security structures present an opportunity to rethink and strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
He commended the National Assembly for initiating conversations around security reforms and urged lawmakers to sustain their commitment to developing policies that reflect the realities on the ground.
“The path to lasting security lies in a combination of strong institutions, inclusive policies, and sustained investment in people. This is the direction we must pursue if we are to build a peaceful and stable nation,” he said.
The Campaign for Dignity Governance concluded by reaffirming its support for initiatives that promote a holistic approach to national security, noting that a strategy that combines military strength with human development will ultimately deliver more sustainable results.
It also urged all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to work collaboratively in building a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient Nigeria.
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