The rising tide of insecurity in Nigeria is no longer just about armed conflict or terrorism, it is deeply rooted in hunger and poverty. This was the central message delivered at a recent national security seminar in Abuja, where top government and military officials drew a direct line between the country's economic struggles and its escalating security challenges. At the seminar, themed "Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria", the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized that hunger and poverty are now more than a humanitarian concern, they are serious threats to national stability. Ribadu, who was represented by Major General Peter Mala, the Director of Defence Affairs at the Office of the NSA, warned that economic deprivation is at the core of Nigeria's security crisis.
"Hunger and poverty are not merely social concerns; they are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration," Ribadu said. He further explained how these challenges are locked in a vicious cycle, stating, "These issues form a vicious cycle, poverty leads to insecurity, and insecurity, in turn, deepens poverty."
He commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for its focus on addressing these issues through agricultural reforms, social investment initiatives, and security interventions. Ribadu noted that these government actions are designed to break the poverty-insecurity cycle and create a more stable environment for all Nigerians.
The NSA explained that strategies being used include food security programs, stronger law enforcement efforts, and investment in infrastructure that would make farming and food distribution more effective. These, he believes, will not only enhance the country's food systems but also offer alternative livelihoods to those who may otherwise be drawn into crime or insurgency.
Ribadu stressed that Nigeria's approach to security must go beyond guns and military tactics. According to him, both "kinetic" (military) and "non-kinetic" (non-military) measures are being coordinated through a partnership between military forces, intelligence agencies, civil society, and local communities. "Despite progress, challenges like unemployment, hunger, and youth disenfranchisement persist and require deeper, long-terms solutions," he said.
Echoing Ribadu's position, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, also described hunger and poverty as national security threats that now rival more traditional dangers like armed conflict. Represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima, the CDS called for a national strategy to address these root causes of insecurity.
"Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity, and social dislocation," Musa stated. He lamented the decline of the North Central region, especially Benue State, which was one of Nigeria's agricultural heartlands but is now plagued by violence, displacement, and conflict between farmers and herders.
He highlighted how displaced farmers, abandoned farmlands, and increased migration to urban areas have triggered food inflation and national instability. “We must make farming attractive again, not as a last resort, but as a national duty and a prestigious calling,” he urged, stressing the importance of investing in rural agriculture through improved access to credit, infrastructure, and markets.
Minister of Defence Alhaji Muhammed Badaru also spoke at the seminar, advocating for a more people-focused approach to national security. He argued that long-lasting peace cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of conflict, poverty, unemployment, and marginalization. “In a world where security threats know no borders, collective action is needed,” Badaru said, while praising the Armed Forces for their resilience and innovation.
The seminar also heard from Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (retd.), The President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) delivered a strong warning about the dangers of ignoring socio-economic issues. “The children of the poor you fail to train will never let your children have peace,” he cautioned, underlining the link between neglect and instability.
Abdullahi emphasized the value of education, empowerment, and inclusion as tools to prevent youth radicalization and societal breakdown. “When millions suffer from hunger and poverty, they become vulnerable to exploitation by those with ill intentions. We must invest in our people, especially in education, livelihoods, and skills development,” he said.
To address these challenges tangibly, Abdullahi proposed creating a leadership and vocational center specifically for widows and children of Nigeria’s fallen soldiers. This, he said, would help vulnerable communities rebuild their lives while honoring the sacrifice of their loved ones, a step that would support both healing and national resilience.