Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has alleged that Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity is being fuelled by complicity among government officials and members of the elite, rather than a shortage of resources or manpower.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Wednesday, Oseni argued that Nigeria is not yet ready to end kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism because some state actors and security officials are actively collaborating with criminals.
He cited the attack in Woro, Kwara State, where bandits killed residents despite locals warning security authorities of an impending threat.
He also pointed to instances where state governments have posed for photo opportunities with bandits.
“There have been many people in and around government linked to insecurity, and they are walking free today as part of the elite class,” Oseni said.
He lamented that citizens who reported threats to security agencies were later targeted by bandits, questioning how criminals learned of the reports.“Nigeria is not ready to end insecurity. The day any Nigerian government is ready, it will end. But there’s way too much complicity in the ecosystem,” he added.
Oseni stressed that until government officials and elites stop enabling criminal networks, insecurity will remain entrenched, regardless of increased security presence or the creation of state police.
