By Nkechi Eze
As Nigeria joined the global community to mark the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International (TI), has raised fresh concerns that corruption remains a primary driver of the country’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of TI-Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that despite years of heavy government spending on defence and internal security, entrenched corruption continues to weaken national safety and expose citizens to persistent violence.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria said Nigeria’s prolonged battles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, communal clashes and organised criminal networks have been significantly aggravated by systemic corruption that undermines every layer of the security architecture. It explained that corruption in defence procurement, personnel recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing and operational command has directly contributed to the escalation of insecurity.
According to the organisation, critical security funds still disappear through inflated contracts, questionable procurement deals, misallocation of resources and outright diversion of money meant for operations, equipment and logistics. It observed that welfare-related corruption has left frontline personnel poorly motivated, while families of officers who die in service often receive no entitlements, eroding morale within the ranks.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also criticised corruption in recruitment, noting that unqualified individuals continue to gain entry into sensitive security roles while competent officers are sidelined. It said misuse of security privileges, where ordinary citizens remain exposed while select individuals secure excessive protection, reflects deep institutional inequality and mismanagement. The organisation further condemned entrenched nepotism, including the manipulation of laws to unlawfully extend tenures of certain officials, describing the practice as dangerous to national stability.
The statement highlighted weak oversight by the National Assembly and the persistent failure of institutions to enforce accountability in the security sector. It added that insufficient collaboration and poor intelligence sharing among security agencies have created gaps exploited by criminals. CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also cited illegal payments by police officers at roadblocks to remit proceeds to superiors, saying this shows how deeply corruption has penetrated routine law enforcement operations.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the collapse of administrative justice, where impunity for security failures and corruption remains unchecked. It criticised the widespread violation of the presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police personnel from VIPs, noting that the order has largely been ignored. According to CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, some actors within the system have turned insecurity into a profitable enterprise by facilitating ransom payments and negotiating with terrorists instead of implementing sustainable solutions.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also warned about the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country, noting that Nigeria was estimated in 2021 to hold roughly 70 percent of illicit weapons in West Africa. It added that concerns over the internal financing of terrorism contributed to Nigeria being ranked 8th among the 10 countries most affected by terrorism in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, underscoring the urgent need for reforms and stronger anti-corruption measures.
The organisation called for urgent, comprehensive reforms, urging the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to prioritise transparency and accountability in the management of defence and security funds. It emphasised the need for full disclosure of procurement processes and independently audited expenditure records in line with global standards.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria stressed the importance of stronger legislative oversight of security budgets and operational performance. It advocated for an independent defence procurement audit system to eliminate contract inflation, ghost projects and misuse of funds. The organisation also called for strict disciplinary action against officers involved in bribery, extortion, collusion with criminal groups or any form of professional compromise. It urged improvements in welfare, insurance and equipment for frontline personnel to rebuild morale and enhance operational effectiveness.
The statement further underscored the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation to close gaps exploited by criminal organisations. It called for stronger protection for whistle-blowers to ensure safe reporting of corruption within the security and defence sector.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria maintained that Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity without first confronting entrenched corruption within the security sector. It emphasised that increased military spending and new equipment will be ineffective if diverted funds, weak oversight and impunity continue to undermine the system.
The organisation reaffirmed that the safety of Nigerians must not be compromised by corruption, political interests or institutional negligence. It pledged continued collaboration with government, parliament, security agencies and citizens to champion reforms that will strengthen national security, enhance accountability and restore public trust.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria reiterated that Nigeria deserves a secure and just future, one that can only be achieved by confronting and eliminating corruption at the heart of its security framework.
