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Why Insecurity Is On The Rise In Nigeria – Ex Head Of State, Abdulsalami

Nigeria must find a way out of these problems – Abdulsalami

Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, says the proliferation of weapons in the country is responsible for the widespread insecurity.

Speaking during a a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Abdulsalami lamented the influx of weapons into the country, noting that there are over six million of such arms in circulation in Nigeria.

Abubakar, who is also the chairman of the National Peace Committee, said the security situation in the country is worrisome.

The former head of state noted that the proliferation of weapons has contributed to the country’s security challenges, which he said has led to the death of at least 80,000 people, while around three million persons have been displaced.

“The proliferation of all calibre of weapons, not only in our sub-region in general and in Nigeria, in particular, is worrying. It is estimated that there are over six million of such weapons in circulation in the country,” he said.

He noted that the ubiquitous possession of dangerous and sophisticated weapons has led to the usurpation of monopoly of violence from the Nigerian state, a situation he claimed had aggravated insecurity in the country.

“This certainly exacerbated the insecurity that led to over 80,000 deaths and close to three million internally displaced persons.”

Abubakar said stakeholders must come up with solutions to the rising insecurity, adding that citizens have to also be actively involved in suggesting measures to address the situation.

“We believe Nigeria must find a way out of these problems. Our hope is that perhaps among us, by listening to your different perspectives, we can begin to build up confidence among our people so that we can hold together,” he said.

“So, our hope is that we shall not only share our collective lamentations about the current situation, but propose some concrete suggestions that can point the way forward — suggestions that can inspire more confidence among our people and ensure that our country remains one.”