Nigeria Can’t Win War Against Insecurity Without Neighbouring Countries — Olawepo-Hashim

Former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address insecurity in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

Speaking on a television programme on Tuesday, Olawepo-Hashim argued that Nigeria cannot successfully combat insurgency and terrorism without the active support and collaboration of neighbouring countries.

According to him, an integrated security strategy involving countries such as Chad, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso is essential to effectively confront the security threats affecting the region.

He stressed that security challenges in Nigeria are closely linked to broader developments across the Sahel, making regional cooperation indispensable.

Olawepo-Hashim said he would convene an international security conference involving neighbouring countries and global stakeholders to develop coordinated responses to insurgency and violent extremism.

He noted that international actors also play significant roles in the region, pointing to the involvement of Russia in Mali and the historical influence of France in parts of the Sahel.

According to him, the roots of many current security challenges can be traced to developments following the collapse of Libya, which led to the movement of armed groups and extremist elements across several countries in the region.

The Accord Party chieftain maintained that these groups continue to influence and support insurgent activities beyond Nigeria’s borders, making the crisis more complex than many people acknowledge.

He said the country’s security challenges require a comprehensive approach that combines military operations, intelligence sharing, diplomatic engagement, and regional collaboration.

Olawepo-Hashim also criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, arguing that many leaders have failed to fully understand the nature and scope of modern national security challenges.

His comments come amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including recent attacks, kidnappings, and the abduction of students and teachers in parts of Nigeria, which have intensified calls for more effective and coordinated security measures.