Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said Nigeria’s worsening security challenges cannot be addressed through force alone, urging a broader strategy that combines enforcement with social and economic interventions.
He made the remarks while receiving participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19 from the National Institute for Security Studies at Government House, Yenagoa, according to a statement posted on the state government Facebook page.
Speaking through his deputy, Peter Akpe, the governor linked the rise of ethnic militias and violent groups to long-standing feelings of neglect and exclusion in many communities.
He cited the Niger Delta as a clear example, noting that despite its significant contribution to national revenue, years of underdevelopment and environmental strain have fuelled unrest.
According to him, communities surrounded by oil infrastructure but lacking basic amenities reflect a deeper imbalance that security operations alone cannot resolve.
He stressed that meaningful inclusion and fair distribution of resources remain essential to lasting peace.
Diri explained that his administration has prioritised non-military solutions to sustain peace in Bayelsa State. These efforts, he said, focus on creating opportunities and improving living conditions.
Key areas include expanding job opportunities for young people, investing in skills development, improving access to remote communities through infrastructure, and supporting education through scholarship programmes.
He warned that unemployed and disengaged youths are more vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.
The visiting delegation, led by Vivian Okpeh, is currently undertaking a study on the impact of ethnic militias and competition over resources on national security.
She noted that such issues pose serious risks to Nigeria’s stability and economic growth, adding that informed, research-driven responses are crucial.
The institute also signalled interest in deeper collaboration with the state government, including the possibility of hosting future training programmes in the state.
Diri, in response, encouraged participants to make the most of their visit by gathering practical insights that could help shape effective solutions to the country’s security challenges.
