Abuja, June 4, 2026 – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for enhanced cooperation among government institutions, citizens, and international partners in addressing the persistent challenges of insecurity and violence across the country.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a strategic dialogue focused on terrorism, criminal economies, and the evolving nature of violence in Nigeria.
Ochogwu said growing engagement among key stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to restoring stability and addressing the underlying causes of insecurity in affected communities.
He noted that findings from the institute’s research show that sustained reforms and coordinated interventions can significantly reduce violent crimes and other security threats.
According to him, security agencies including the military, police, intelligence services, and paramilitary formations continue to make significant sacrifices in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes.
However, he stressed that military action alone cannot provide a lasting solution, adding that governance reforms and stronger institutional accountability are essential.
He stated that improved collaboration among stakeholders offers a pathway to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring peace in vulnerable areas.
Ochogwu also emphasised that addressing governance gaps, strengthening justice systems, and ensuring accountability for offenders would contribute to long-term stability.
He highlighted ongoing governance reforms, local government autonomy, and discussions around state policing as key measures that could improve security outcomes nationwide.
He further called for stricter sanctions against criminal actors, faster prosecution of cases, and reforms within correctional institutions to deter crime.
The Resident Representative of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nigeria, Mr Lennart Oestergaard, described Nigeria’s security landscape as complex and increasingly interconnected.
He noted that the boundaries between terrorism, banditry, and organised crime have become less distinct, creating additional challenges for security planning and response.
Oestergaard said criminal networks tend to thrive in areas with weak governance structures, porous borders, and limited economic opportunities.
He advocated an integrated approach combining security operations, justice sector reforms, economic development, and accountable governance to strengthen community resilience.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, said insecurity has evolved into a structured criminal enterprise supported by illicit economic activities.
He explained that kidnapping for ransom, trafficking, and illegal taxation imposed by armed groups have created parallel systems of control in some communities.
Maduoma stressed the need for improved intelligence sharing, stronger inter-agency coordination, and policies that address the socioeconomic drivers of insecurity and violent extremism.
Participants at the dialogue agreed that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a comprehensive approach that combines security enforcement with governance reforms, development strategies, and justice sector strengthening.
They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would contribute to building a safer and more peaceful nation.