The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, has highlighted the need for a non-kinetic approach to the fight against insecurity.
He also called for a shift towards non-kinetic strategies to combat Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges.
The call was made at the Workshop For Security-Based Committees on Non-kinetic Strategies To Combat Insecurity And Terrorism In Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The event focused on the need for alternative, non-military approaches in addressing terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violence plaguing the nation.
The speaker stressed the importance of diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions, and community-based initiatives as vital components of a sustainable security framework.
He cited examples from countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where non-kinetic strategies have significantly reduced the appeal of extremist ideologies and fostered reconciliation.
He noted that Nigeria has invested heavily in military operations over the past two decades, with billions of dollars allocated to defence.
“In addition to the financial costs, the evolving nature of security threats reveals the limitations of relying solely on military action. The threats we face today, including extremist ideologies, banditry, organised crime, and transnational networks, are complex and deeply entrenched in economic and social inequalities. Focusing on force alone risks treating symptoms rather than the underlying causes of insecurity.
“In Nigeria, we have seen some success with non-kinetic measures. Programmes such as Operation Safe Corridor, which focuses on the deradicalization and rehabilitation of former insurgents, have contributed to stability in affected regions. These efforts demonstrate that alternative strategies can play a meaningful role in addressing insecurity. Globally, economic measures have also been effective,” Mr. Abbas said.
He emphasized that a more cost-effective and sustainable approach would be to invest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure- areas that address the root causes of insecurity.
“Relying solely on force risks treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of insecurity,” Abbas warned.
He pointed to successful non-kinetic measures in Nigeria, such as the Operation Safe Corridor program, which focuses on the deradicalization and rehabilitation of former insurgents, as proof that alternative strategies can work.
The Speaker further highlighted the importance of community policing, made possible by the Police Act of 2020, as a key element in bridging the gap between law enforcement and local communities. This approach, he noted, builds trust and empowers citizens to actively safeguard their neighborhoods.
The Speaker also announced the formation of a new Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion within the House of Representatives.
He said the committee will develop policies to promote peace and stability, marking the first such initiative in Nigeria and potentially in Africa.
He thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for its support in establishing the committee.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
In her remarks, the Resident Representative of KAS, Marija Peran, said that legislators have a critical role to play in shaping policies and allocating resources.
She emphasized the importance of non-kinetic strategies in creating sustainable peace and security, arguing that the military might alone cannot solve Nigeria’s complex security problems.
“Non-kinetic approaches, which focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace, are essential for creating a secure and stable Nigeria,” Peran said.
She stressed that these strategies include economic development, education, community engagement, and promoting good governance, all aimed at addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors that fuel insecurity and terrorism.
Peran pointed to economic development as one of the most effective tools in reducing insecurity, explaining that poverty and unemployment create fertile ground for extremist ideologies.
“By promoting economic opportunities, particularly in vulnerable regions, alternatives to violence can be provided, and the appeal of terrorist groups reduced,” she said.
Similarly, speaking on behalf of the committee on interior, Mr. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo said the committee would continue to engage with partners to explore the non-kinetic approach to insecurity.
He said that through the works of the committee, insights that would emerge from the workshop would add to efforts to address insecurity.
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