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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As the world marks the United Nations Anti-Corruption Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have sounded a strong warning that corruption remains a major driver of insecurity in the country.
In a press statement, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed deep concern that despite massive investments in defence and internal security, corruption continues to weaken national safety and expose citizens to violence.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s prolonged battles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, communal clashes, and organised criminal networks have been compounded by deep-rooted corruption that undermines every layer of the security architecture.
“From defence procurement to personnel recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing, and operational command, corruption has become entrenched in ways that directly fuel insecurity. Security funds continue to disappear through inflated contracts, questionable procurement deals, misallocation of resources, and outright diversion of money meant for operations and equipment.
“Welfare-related corruption has left frontline personnel poorly motivated, while families of officers who die in service often receive no entitlements, eroding morale and trust within the ranks.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria called for urgent and comprehensive reforms, urging the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies to prioritise transparency and accountability in the management of defence and security funds.
The organisation emphasised the need for full disclosure of procurement processes and audited expenditure records in line with global standards. It stressed the importance of stronger legislative oversight to ensure that security budgets and operational performance are independently reviewed.
CISLAC call for Independent defence procurement audit system to end contract inflation, ghost projects, and misuse of funds Far-reaching security sector reforms with strict disciplinary measures for officers involved in corruption.
“Improved welfare, insurance, and equipment for frontline personnel
Enhanced intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation Protection of whistle-blowers to encourage reporting of corruption
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria maintained that Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity without addressing corruption within the security sector. The organisation affirmed its commitment to working with government, parliament, security agencies, and citizens to champion reforms that will enhance accountability, strengthen national security, and rebuild public trust.
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