Africa-Press – Nigeria. A retired United States Army Captain, Bishop Johnson, has attributed Nigeria’s escalating insecurity to the weakening of local government structures, urging authorities to restore effective grassroots governance as a key step toward tackling crime.
Johnson made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he stressed that security efforts cannot succeed without strong and functional local institutions.
According to him, many local governments across the country are in a comatose state, leaving a vacuum that criminal groups readily exploit.
“When these institutions fail to deliver basic services, vast populations are left vulnerable. Criminal networks then step in, recruit from these communities, and sustain the insecurity we are grappling with today,” he said.
Johnson also noted that Nigeria should not have ungoverned spaces, arguing that placing the burden solely on security agencies is ineffective.
“We often blame the security forces, but they cannot resolve this challenge on their own. Governance forms an integral part of any security architecture. Those entrusted with delivering governance must do their duty, so that minor criminal activities are addressed quickly, allowing security agencies to focus on the major threats confronting our country,” he explained.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s earlier years, the retired captain recalled a time when strong local governments, working closely with traditional institutions, helped maintain stability.
“In the past, when local governments were fully functional, insecurity was minimal. It was only when these structures were weakened that we found ourselves in the situation we are witnessing today,” he added.
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