By Mustapha Usman
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas,on Monday called for a shift towards non-kinetic strategies to combat Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges.
The Speaker disclosed it at the event held in Abuja, focused on the need for alternative, non-military approaches in addressing terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violence plaguing the nation.
He futher 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.
Nigeria, according to Abbas, has invested heavily in military operations over the past two decades, with billions of dollars allocated to defence.
He revealed that in 2024, N3.25 trillion, or 12% of the national budget, had been allocated to defence and security. While acknowledging the necessity of military action, 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.
In his speech, Abbas announced the formation of a new Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion within the House of Representatives. 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, organized in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), brought together members of the security sector, intelligence agencies, and other key stakeholders to discuss non-kinetic security strategies. Abbas expressed his appreciation to all participants for their contributions and urged them to consider non-kinetic approaches as complementary to military efforts in securing the nation.
As the workshop concluded, Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to seeking innovative solutions that not only address immediate security threats but also focus on the long-term causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking also in her opening remarks, Marija Peran, Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), praised the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, for his leadership and initiative in organizing the workshop.
“It was also Mr. Speaker personally who initiated this very important event, and KAS is very grateful that we can partner on this once more.”
She emphasized the importance of non-kinetic strategies in creating sustainable peace and security, arguing that 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 highlighted 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. This includes investments in infrastructure, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and job creation, particularly for women and youth.
Education also emerged as a key component of the non-kinetic strategy. Peran noted that an educated population is less likely to be swayed by extremist ideologies, and called for improved access to quality education, especially in conflict-prone areas.
“This includes not only formal education, but also vocational training and civic education that promotes tolerance and understanding,” she added.
Good governance and the fight against corruption were also highlighted as crucial to achieving sustainable peace. “Mismanagement of funds, lack of accountability, and weak institutions undermine efforts to tackle insecurity and terrorism,” Peran said, calling for greater transparency, stronger institutions, and the rule of law to build trust between the government and the people.
In her concluding remarks, Peran underscored the pivotal role the legislature plays in advancing non-kinetic approaches, noting that legislators are responsible for shaping policies, allocating resources, and holding the executive accountable.
“The legislature has a crucial role to play in this endeavor, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure that these strategies are prioritized and effectively implemented,” she said.