UN Anti-Corruption Day: CISLAC decry deepening insecurity via corruption
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By Perpetua Onuegbu
Abuja, Dec.9, 2025 (NAN) As the world marks the United Nations Anti-Corruption Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) says corruption remains one of the most destructive forces driving insecurity across the country.
The Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of TI-Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a statement said the organisation was concerned that in spite of massive investments in defence and internal security corruption continued to weaken national safety and expose citizens to violence.
He 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.
The organisation explained that from defence procurement to personnel recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing and operational command, corruption have become entrenched in ways that directly fuel insecurity.
According to Rafsanjani, security funds continue to disappear through inflated contracts, questionable procurement deals, misallocation of resources and outright diversion of money meant for operations and equipment.
He observed that welfare-related corruption had left frontline personnel poorly motivated, while the families of officers who die in service often receive no entitlements, eroding morale and trust within the ranks.
He further highlighted how recruitment corruption has placed unqualified individuals in sensitive positions and pushed competent officers aside.
“Misuse of security priority, where ordinary citizens remain vulnerable while some individuals enjoy excessive security protection, reflects systemic inequality and mismanagement.
“Entrenched nepotism where officials manipulate laws to unlawfully extend tenure in security institutions, practices are dangerous to national stability.”
The CISLAC boss also raised concerns over weak oversight from the National Assembly and the persistent failure of government institutions to ensure accountability in the security sector.
He noted that the lack of collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies continues to create loopholes exploited by criminal groups.
“Illegal payments made by police officers at roadblocks to remit returns to superiors illustrate how corruption has permeated routine law enforcement.
“Insecurity has now become a lucrative enterprise for certain actors in government who facilitate ransom payments and negotiations with terrorists, prioritising short-term fixes over lasting solutions.”
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria boss 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.
He sad Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity without first addressing corruption within the security sector.
“No volume of military spending or sophisticated equipment will deliver results if diverted funds, weak oversight and entrenched impunity continue to undermine the system.
“The safety of Nigerians must not be compromised by corruption, political interests or institutional negligence.
“At CISLAC we are committed to working with the government, parliament, security agencies and citizens to champion reforms that will enhance accountability, strengthen national security and rebuild public trust.(NAN)
