A former US Army Captain has shared his insights on the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, pointing to poor governance and lack of strong institutions as the main issues. According to him, the country’s security challenges are not only about the presence of armed groups but also about systemic failures in leadership, accountability, and resource management. He stressed that tackling insecurity requires more than military action; it demands effective policies and institutions that protect citizens.

The ex-captain noted that militarized approaches alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security problems. He highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, community policing, and social development programs to prevent violence and insurgency. According to him, governments must focus on addressing the underlying social, economic, and political grievances that fuel criminal activities and extremist groups.

He also emphasized the role of corruption in worsening insecurity. Mismanagement of funds intended for security agencies and lack of proper oversight have, in his view, weakened Nigeria’s ability to respond effectively to threats. Strengthening transparency, enforcing accountability, and ensuring proper training for security personnel are key steps toward reversing this trend.

Finally, the ex-Army officer called for collaboration between government, local communities, and international partners to create a comprehensive security strategy. He believes that only a multi-pronged approach combining governance reform, community engagement, and strategic security measures can sustainably reduce crime and violence in Nigeria.