Abbas calls for shift to non-kinetic strategies to combat Nigeria’s insecurity challenges

By Christiana Ekpa

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.