Nigeria Has Been Identified As A Major Hub For Transnational Organised Crime, Ranking First In West Africa, Third In Africa, And Eighth Globally on The Organised Crime Index.
Director-General Of The Institute For Peace And Conflict Resolution, IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu Says The Alarming Figure Highlights The Urgent Need For Authorities To Focus On The Growing Link Between Crime, Conflict, And Instability Across The Country.
Dr. Ochogwu who raised concerns over the growing link between organised crime and violent conflict in Nigeria, warned that illicit markets will continue to fuel instability, insecurity and communal violence except urgent steps are being taken across the country.
Speaking at a one-day roundtable on “The Crime–Conflict Link: Key Trends in Illicit Markets and Instability in Nigeria” held at the Institute’s conference hall in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Ochogwu said criminal networks involved in arms trafficking, drug trade, resource smuggling and human trafficking are worsening insecurity and undermining national development.
Research Coordinator for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, Kingsley Madueke, noted that many conflict actors now depend on criminal markets for funding, making it difficult to tackle insecurity without disrupting their financial networks.
According to him, the activities of organised criminal groups have continued to weaken governance structures, disrupt economic stability and erode social cohesion in many communities affected by violence and insurgency.
He stressed that understanding the connection between crime and conflict is critical to developing effective peacebuilding strategies and strengthening national resilience.
The roundtable was organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in collaboration with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
