The National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Chike Okogwu, has cautioned against relying solely on military operations to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that insecurity will persist unless underlying governance failures are addressed.
In an article with the title, “The Man, The Rottweilers and The Marauders: Nigeria Cannot Afford to Keep Holding the Leash,” Okogwu said effective governance, justice, intelligence gathering, economic opportunities and public trust are as important as military action in achieving lasting peace and security.
The ADC chieftain, who is also a member of the party’s 50 Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee, said the sacrifices of security personnel have not translated into the desired outcomes because they often operate within a system hampered by poor coordination, inadequate support, delayed procurement and political interference.
Drawing on an analogy reportedly shared by a serving Nigerian Army colonel, Okogwu compared the country’s security architecture to a wealthy estate owner who restrained his trained guard dogs while his property was under attack.
According to him, the dogs possessed the capacity to repel the attackers but were prevented from acting, only to be blamed afterwards for the damage that occurred.
He said the analogy reflects the reality facing many security agencies that are expected to deliver results despite institutional constraints.
Okogwu noted that despite growing security budgets at both federal and state levels, violent crimes including terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping continue to threaten communities across the country.
He attributed the persistent insecurity to corruption, intelligence failures, porous borders, weak inter-agency cooperation, delayed justice and a lack of accountability in governance.
According to him, security should be viewed as a broader governance issue rather than a responsibility of the military alone.
“Lasting security cannot be achieved through force alone. It requires strong institutions, public trust, economic inclusion and a justice system that works,” he argued.
The policy strategist also highlighted the impact of insecurity on Persons With Disabilities, noting that many are disproportionately affected during attacks and displacement due to limited mobility and inadequate emergency response mechanisms.
He warned that the continued deterioration of security could weaken public confidence in government institutions and slow national development.
Okogwu therefore called on leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, improve intelligence-sharing and adopt a more comprehensive approach to security that addresses both immediate threats and their root causes.
He maintained that Nigeria’s challenge is no longer a lack of security personnel or resources, but the political will to implement reforms capable of making the nation’s security architecture more effective and accountable.
