The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said non-kinetic strategies are capable of deescalating the various security crises in Nigeria.
He also noted that social and economic inequalities are part of the factors causing security challenges.
Speaker Abbas made this known in his keynote address at the Workshop for Security-Based Committees on Non-Kinetic Strategies to Combat Insecurity and Terrorism in Nigeria, which was organised by the House in partnership with a German organisation, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
The workshop was for chairman and vice-chairmen of security-related committees of the House.
Speaker Abbas said the workshop offered a vital chance to critically analyse non-kinetic strategies for tackling the security challenges Nigeria faces. “This event highlights our duty to investigate alternative methods that target the underlying causes of insecurity,” he said.
The Speaker noted that non-kinetic strategies such as diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions, and community-based initiatives offer a broad and practical framework for creating sustainable peace.
“These measures focus on the social, economic, and political conditions that drive insecurity. Examples from other countries illustrate the value of these strategies,” he added.
Speaker Abbas cited the example of Rwanda, which successfully implemented community-based reconciliation programmes to heal societal divisions, while Kenya’s economic initiatives have been instrumental in reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies.
He said: “Nigeria has been grappling with terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity for many years. Our response has relied heavily on the use of force, with significant resources devoted to military operations.
“Over the last two decades, billions of dollars have been spent on defence and security. Between 2008 and 2018, around $16 billion was allocated to defence, representing more than 10 percent of the federal budget over that period. In 2020, the total budget for security accounted for 16.8 percent of the total budget of $27.9 billion.
“In 2024, N3.25 trillion has been allocated to the defence and security sector, representing 12 percent of the national budget. These figures highlight the significant financial commitment to security, but they also underscore the need to consider more efficient and cost-effective approaches.”
The Speaker decried that the resources often diverted to combat insecurity could be more prudently invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are fundamental to national well-being.
“By prioritising friendly, non-kinetic measures, we can achieve sustainable security solutions while reducing the economic strain and ensuring these vital sectors receive the attention they deserve,” he stated.
In addition to the financial costs, the Speaker also noted the evolving nature of security threats, which reveals the limitations of relying solely on military action.
He stated: “The threats we face today, including extremist ideologies, banditry, organised crime, and transnational networks, are complex and deeply entrenched in economic and social inequalities. Focusing on force alone risks treating symptoms rather than the underlying causes of insecurity.”
Speaker Abbas, however, noted that Nigeria has seen some success with non-kinetic measures. He said programmes such as Operation Safe Corridor, which focuses on the de-radicalisation and rehabilitation of former insurgents, have contributed to stability in affected regions. He added that these efforts demonstrate that “alternative strategies can play a meaningful role in addressing insecurity.”
