PDP reveals what’s driving insecurity in Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that insecurity in Nigeria has evolved into a highly organised and lucrative criminal economy, fueling banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

In a televised interview on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong urged the Federal Government to stop politicising national security, describing current approaches as ineffective and worsening the crisis.

He said national data indicate that ransom-driven crimes now constitute a “trillion Naira economy,” highlighting the complexity of the problem.

Ememobong criticised the government’s practice of appealing publicly to kidnappers, calling it a weak response that emboldens criminals.

He also condemned officials’ discussions with armed groups, warning that such engagements signal a collapse of authority and indirectly validate criminality.

He argued that the root causes of insecurity remain unaddressed, and that cosmetic measures such as press briefings and photo-ops with security chiefs are insufficient.

Ememobong stressed that ransoms will continue as long as demand exists and that decisive action, backed by strong political will, is needed to halt violent attacks.

On security recruitment, he questioned the deployment of poorly trained officers into conflict zones, asserting that numbers alone cannot succeed without clear directives and determination.

Describing Nigeria’s insecurity as an existential threat, Ememobong urged the government to avoid sending messages that non-state actors are stronger than the state.

On party matters, he said the PDP is focused on rebuilding, strengthening structures, and promoting transparency, unity, and the protection of all opposition parties.

He warned that parties with conflicting interests may soon collapse, underscoring the PDP’s focus on long-term stability and national restoration.