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Speaker Abbas Advocates Non-Kinetic Solutions to Nigeria’s Insecurity
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria grapples with an rapidly increasing security crisis, the Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a paradigm shift in how the nation addresses the root causes of violence.
Speaker Abbas who stated this at a high-level workshop held in Abuja, called for non-kinetic strategies alternatives to military force as essential tools for fostering long-term peace and stability.
Abbas emphasised that while military operations are necessary, they should not be Nigeria’s sole approach to combating insecurity.
Drawing lessons from countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where non-kinetic strategies have mitigated violence and fostered national reconciliation, he advocated for dialogue, economic empowerment, and community engagement as key elements of a sustainable security framework.
“Relying solely on force risks treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of insecurity,” Abbas said.
He pointed to programs such as ‘Operation Safe Corridor’, which rehabilitates and reintegrates former insurgents, as evidence that alternative approaches can yield positive results.
Speaker Abbas also highlighted the financial burden of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Over the past two decades, trillions of naira have been spent on military operations, with N3.25 trillion 12% of the 2024 national budget allocated to defence and security alone. While acknowledging the necessity of these expenditures, the Speaker argued for a more cost-effective approach: investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address the socioeconomic conditions that fuel unrest.
“Education and economic development are as critical to security as weapons and military personnel,” Abbas stated.
According to Abbas, one non-kinetic measure that has already shown promise in Nigeria is community policing, enabled by the Police Act of 2020. He described it as a key strategy in bridging the gap between law enforcement and local communities. By building trust and empowering citizens, community policing helps foster safer neighborhoods where residents actively participate in securing their environment.
In a landmark announcement, Abbas unveiled the creation of a Standing Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion in the House of Representatives. Tasked with developing policies to promote peace and stability, the committee will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and possibly Africa.
He commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting the initiative and pledged the commitment of the House to advancing sustainable security solutions.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), brought together stakeholders from the security sector, intelligence agencies, and civil society.
Resident Representative of KAS, Marija Peran, extolled Speaker Abbas for his leadership and vision in hosting the event.
“It was Mr. Speaker himself who initiated this very important event, and KAS is proud to partner on this initiative,” Peran said.
She underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, arguing that military solutions alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Peran outlined several non-kinetic strategies, including economic development, education, and good governance, and emphasised that poverty and unemployment create fertile ground for extremist ideologies, making economic empowerment a crucial component of any long-term security plan.
“By creating jobs and supporting small businesses, especially for women and youth, we can provide alternatives to violence and reduce the appeal of terrorist groups,” she said.
Education, too, emerged as a critical tool in combating insecurity, Peran therefore called for increased access to quality education in conflict-prone areas, noting that an educated population is less likely to be swayed by extremist ideologies.
“This includes vocational training and civic education that promote tolerance and understanding,” she added.
Good governance and transparency were also identified as essential. According to Peran, corruption and mismanagement undermine efforts to address insecurity, eroding trust between the government and its citizens. She called for stronger institutions and adherence to the rule of law to build a foundation for sustainable peace.
Peran urged legislators to take an active role in advancing non-kinetic strategies. “The legislature has a crucial role to play in shaping policies, allocating resources, and holding the executive accountable,” she said.
As the workshop concluded, Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to seeking innovative solutions that not only address immediate security threats but also tackle their root causes.
“Our focus must be on building a Nigeria where peace and stability are the norm, not the exception,” he declared.
With the formation of the Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Committee and the continued collaboration of key stakeholders, Nigeria may be on the brink of a new chapter in its fight against insecurity one where dialogue, development, and trust take center stage.
An Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled May 4, 2026, to deliver its ruling on whether an extra-judicial statement made by co-defendant Henry Omoile will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial involving former Godwin Emefiele.
The statement in question was allegedly made by Omoile, who is standing trial alongside Emefiele. Presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence teams adopted their final written addresses during a trial-within-trial session.
The hearing is focused on determining whether Omoile’s statement was given voluntarily and is therefore admissible in court.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, involving transactions estimated at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Omoile, meanwhile, is standing trial on a three-count charge relating to alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts connected to dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Counsel to Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Kotoye, argued that the statement should be rejected on the grounds that it was not voluntarily made. He cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stressing the importance of video-recorded interrogations to ensure transparency.
The defence also raised concerns over possible coercion, inducement, and lack of proper legal representation during the recording of the statement.
Similarly, counsel to Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the statement, arguing under the Evidence Act that any involuntary confession is inadmissible.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the statement was properly obtained in line with legal procedures, adding that although it was not video-recorded, it was made in the presence of Omoile’s lawyer.
He further argued that the contents of the statement do not support claims of coercion, noting that Omoile did not implicate Emefiele and denied the allegations against himself.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter for ruling on May 4, 2026, while also fixing June 26 and June 30, 2026, for continuation of the substantive trial.
Nine kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode have been re-invited by the Ogun State Police Command to appear at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, next Monday and Tuesday over fresh allegations of bribery and financial inducement in the selection of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The development marks the second time the kingmakers are being summoned by the police on the matter.
Recall that the Ogun State Government, in January 2026, suspended the selection process through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The suspension followed petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The kingmakers were first invited by the Ogun State Police Command in February over similar accusations of cash inducement. However, the probe was later dropped following the intervention of superior authorities.
In the latest development, the nine kingmakers have been re-invited through a letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the invitation.
He disclosed that four of them are expected to appear on Monday, April 21, 2026, while the remaining five are scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026.
Chief Okenla described the repeated invitations as a distraction, insisting that the allegations are unfounded.
“It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not happy about it because it is becoming more of a distraction.”
The Kakanfo appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process without further delay.
“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebuland without any further delay,” he added.
Parts of the police invitation letter read:
“In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on [Monday/Tuesday] April 21/22, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification, kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer.”
Nigerian-American singer, David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has commended Nigerian businessman Aliko Mohammed Dangote for his style of living.
According to him, the owner of Dangote cement is a different kind of billionaire.
He said unlike other billionaires who always buy luxury cars and show off, Mr. Aliko buys two cars every 8 years.
Speaking in an interview, Davido stated that the businessman always tells him to save his money.
“Uncle Aliko is a different kind of a billionaire, Uncle Aliko buys like two cars every 8 years. He is different ” Davido said.
“Anytime he sees me he just says one thing, save your money. There is nothing more he tells me than save your money.” He added.
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