As the world commemorates the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International (TI), has raised fresh alarm over the worsening impact of corruption on Nigeria’s security crisis.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director and Head of TI-Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said corruption remains a major driver of insecurity nationwide despite decades of massive investments in defence and internal security.
Rafsanjani expressed concern that Nigeria’s prolonged battles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and organised crime have been severely compounded by entrenched corruption across the security architecture — from defence procurement to personnel recruitment, welfare, intelligence sharing and operational command.
According to CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, critical security funds continue to vanish through inflated contracts, questionable procurement deals and outright diversion of resources meant for operations and equipment. The organisation said corruption in welfare administration has left frontline officers poorly motivated, while families of personnel who die in service are often denied entitlements, undermining morale within the ranks.
It further warned that recruitment fraud has pushed unqualified individuals into sensitive security positions while sidelining competent officers, contributing to operational failures. CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also condemned the abuse of security privileges, noting that while ordinary citizens remain exposed to violence, some individuals enjoy excessive security protection due to political or personal influence.
The group criticised the manipulation of laws to unlawfully extend the tenures of top security officials, describing the practice as dangerous and destabilising.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria expressed concern over weak oversight from the National Assembly and the persistent failure of relevant government institutions to ensure accountability in the sector. It noted that poor collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies continue to create gaps exploited by criminal networks.
The organisation also highlighted routine extortion by security personnel at roadblocks, saying illegal payments reportedly remitted to superior officers demonstrate how deeply corruption has penetrated everyday law enforcement operations.
It lamented what it called a collapse of administrative justice, where impunity persists for security errors and corruption-related misconduct. It also criticised continued violation of the presidential directive withdrawing police personnel from VIPs, saying the order has largely been ignored.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria decried the rise of insecurity as a “lucrative enterprise” for certain actors in government who facilitate ransom payments and negotiations with terrorists for personal gain — actions they say prioritise short-term fixes over long-term solutions.
On the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the organisation warned that Nigeria remains a major hotspot, with an estimated 70 percent of illicit weapons in West Africa circulating within the country. It linked this dangerous trend to Nigeria’s ranking as 8th on the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.
“This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the security sector and stronger anti-corruption measures to prevent further destabilisation,” the statement said.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies and anti-corruption institutions to prioritise transparency in the management of defence and security funds. It called for the publication of procurement processes, audited expenditures and strict legislative oversight to ensure independent reviews of security budgets and operational performance.
The organisation also advocated for an independent defence procurement audit system to curb inflated contracts, ghost projects and misuse of funds. It urged the government to implement strict disciplinary measures for officers involved in bribery, extortion or collaboration with criminal elements.
Additionally, it called for improved welfare, insurance and equipment for frontline personnel, enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, stronger inter-agency cooperation and robust protection for whistle-blowers within the defence and security sectors.
“No amount of spending or sophisticated equipment can solve insecurity if funds are diverted, oversight is weak and impunity thrives,” the organisation warned.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, parliament, security agencies and citizens to advance reforms that will improve accountability, build public trust and strengthen national security.
According to the organisation, Nigeria deserves a secure, just and prosperous future — one that can only be achieved by confronting and eliminating corruption at the heart of the country’s security framework.
