By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

Corruption has long been a major impediment to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, eroding public confidence in institutions and hindering national development. Due to the heterogeneous nature of Nigerian society, the fight against corruption has been a complex and multifaceted challenge.

It requires not only robust investigative and legal frameworks but also effective communication strategies to foster public understanding, build trust, and encourage citizen participation. Recognizing this, the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The visit, led by CCC Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), underscored the Centre’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the EFCC, particularly in the area of strategic crisis communication. The CCC Chairman expressed solidarity with the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability across the public system.

He commended the EFCC for its significant achievements in uncovering high-profile corruption cases, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to ridding Nigeria of financial crimes. Meanwhile, crisis communication remains a critical tool in shaping public perception and ensuring that institutions maintain transparency, accountability, and trust.

Unfortunately, despite its commendable efforts in tackling financial crimes, the EFCC often finds itself at the receiving end of misinformation, misrepresentation, and deliberate attempts to discredit its operations.

Major General Olukolade acknowledged this challenge, stating that CCC’s doors remain open for collaboration in public sensitization campaigns. He emphasized that effective strategic communication can help correct false narratives, counter media trials, and promote public understanding of the EFCC’s mandate and achievements.

Additionally, proactive public enlightenment and perception management will strengthen the EFCC’s credibility and effectiveness in the fight against corruption. The EFCC’s recent successes—including the historic arrest of 792 cybercrime syndicate members, among them foreigners, in Lagos, and the seizure of 753 duplex units linked to corrupt individuals who had looted public funds—are testaments to the agency’s relentless commitment to justice.

However, these milestones often get overshadowed by misinformation, reducing public support for the EFCC’s mission. One of the key concerns raised by EFCC Chairman Mr. Olukoyede was the growing trend of public sympathy for corrupt individuals, often manifesting in protests against their prosecution.

He lamented that rather than commending the EFCC’s efforts, segments of society choose to align with those facing corruption charges. This misalignment is largely fueled by inadequate public enlightenment, media misrepresentation, and targeted propaganda by corrupt individuals seeking to evade justice.

It is evident that some mischief-makers exploit loopholes in communication to tarnish the agency’s image, making strategic advocacy and awareness campaigns more crucial than ever. The EFCC’s intelligence-driven operations, which require discretion and sometimes limit the immediate release of details to the public, are often misinterpreted. This underscores the need for strategic communication to explain the agency’s methods and achievements effectively.

A partnership between the CCC and EFCC can bridge this gap. Through joint initiatives, both institutions can work toward reshaping public discourse around corruption, reinforcing the message that financial crimes are detrimental to national growth, and urging Nigerians to support—rather than obstruct—the EFCC’s efforts.

Beyond enforcement, the EFCC is now focusing on preventive measures to curb financial misappropriation before it escalates into complex legal battles. By adopting intelligence-driven strategies, the agency seeks to tackle corruption at its roots, reducing the burden of prolonged court proceedings.

Mr. Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to leveraging advocacy, sensitization, and public engagement to complement its enforcement mechanisms. The collaboration with CCC will help drive this agenda by crafting compelling narratives, organizing public awareness campaigns, and equipping Nigerians with the right information to actively support the anti-corruption fight.

The EFCC’s battle against corruption is not just a fight for the agency; it is a fight for Nigeria’s future, in which every citizen is expected to contribute their share of efforts toward achieving this mandate. Fighting corruption is everybody’s business, not the EFCC’s alone. Nevertheless, with the CCC stepping in to amplify the commission’s efforts through strategic communication, there is renewed hope for fostering a corruption-intolerant society.

By leveraging media engagement, grassroots advocacy, and digital campaigns, the CCC and EFCC can work together to counter false narratives, highlight success stories, and reinforce the message that corruption is an enemy of national progress.

This partnership is not just about strengthening the EFCC’s image; it is about reinforcing a national culture of integrity, where transparency and accountability become the cornerstones of governance and public service. As the collaboration unfolds, all stakeholders—including the media, civil society organizations, and the general public—must rally behind this cause, ensuring that the fight against corruption remains unwavering and successful.

MUKHTAR is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC). He wrote via: ymukhtar944@gmail.com

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

The emergence of the “Lakurawa” terror group in Northwestern Nigeria has added a new layer to the country’s complex security challenges, as these militants strengthen their foothold across communities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

The recent disclosure by the Defence and Force Headquarters, which “formally” recognized Lakurawa as a terror organization, not only introduced the group to many Nigerians but also highlighted the potential dangers of mishandling information about such threats.

It is against this background that the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC) tasked the security agencies to handle the issue of Lakurawa with utmost caution and professionalism while at the same time, urged the media and public to avoid sensationalizing the matter.

The Chairman of the center, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), in a statement issued after CCC’s monthly meeting, Olukolade said the situation required swift and strategic action to prevent an escalation into a nationwide crisis with severe implications

Meanwhile, until now, Lakurawa had operated largely unnoticed, yet their growing influence signals a troubling shift in Nigeria’s already embattled security landscape. Reports trace the Lakurawa group’s origins back to October 2018, when they reportedly settled in the forests around Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas in Sokoto State.

When locals first raised concerns about their incursion, police investigations categorized them as armed but non-threatening seasonal herders seeking food and water for their livestock. This early dismissal allowed the group to operate under the radar, gradually embedding themselves within local communities.

The manner in which security agencies, media outlets, and social platforms have handled information on this new terror group highlights a significant issue that needs critical analysis. Sensationalized coverage is indeed giving the Lakurawa group visibility, emboldening them to further terrorize their host communities.

Once considered mere herders, the Lakurawa group has escalated its activities, imposing taxes, preaching extremist ideologies, and assuming roles usually reserved for traditional rulers, such as mediation and arbitration..Surprisingly, within just days after the Nigerian military officially labeled them as terrorists, the Lakurawa sect initiated violent attacks in Kebbi State.

On Friday, November 8th, the group reportedly killed 15 people and rustled over 100 cows in Mera town, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera, a resident, “Initially, they didn’t kill; they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. This is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town.”

Was it merely a coincidence that the group became more violent soon after achieving widespread media coverage? It is possible they are using this newfound visibility to instill fear in communities and signal their presence as players in Nigeria’s complex security challenges. As they gain recognition, their actions and influence appear to intensify.

Reports reveal that their first significant attack was on a military base in Sokoto, where they killed three soldiers and set a patrol vehicle ablaze. Initially, their targets were government forces, vigilantes, and rival armed groups (i.e., bandits), but recent developments indicate that unarmed civilians are also now victims of their atrocities. It is hard to believe that the Lakurawa group once received invitations from local authorities, including the District Heads of Balle in Gudu LGA and Gongono in Tangaza LGA, both in Sokoto, to protect their communities against other bandits.

This connection suggests that some local leaders may have inadvertently enabled the group’s rise by legitimizing its presence. These complex dynamics underline the challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape, where communities, desperate for protection, sometimes turn to dangerous actors in the absence of adequate state intervention.

In today’s interconnected world, fueled by rapid information sharing, the way media reports on terror groups critically shapes the public’s perception and response. Sensationalized coverage of groups like Lakurawa inadvertently provides them with the visibility they seek, potentially encouraging further attacks. Publicizing details about the group’s activities can become an “oxygen of publicity” that these terrorists use to maintain a fearsome reputation.

A paradigm shift is necessary. Security agencies must recognize the importance of handling sensitive information with discretion. Rather than publicly announcing the existence of groups like Lakurawa, there should be a careful, strategic approach to limit their exposure. If handled quietly and without fanfare, it may prevent these groups from gaining the visibility they currently enjoy.

For the sake of national interest and security, some information is best kept confidential to protect citizens and prevent unnecessary panic or sensationalism. Publicizing every detail can inadvertently play into the hands of criminals who capitalize on fear and citizens’ low morale to perpetrate further violence. Moving forward, Nigeria’s security agencies should develop robust crisis communication strategies.

Such strategies should aim to balance transparency with responsibility, sharing information only when necessary and in ways that do not strengthen criminal elements. By avoiding public fanfare, security agencies can effectively carry out their constitutional duties without giving terrorists an undue advantage.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s media, along with its security forces, must adopt a more thoughtful and measured approach to crisis communication. This approach will prevent terrorist groups like the Lakurawas from gaining power and notoriety, ultimately fostering a safer environment for Nigerian citizens.

The Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Police, and other security institutions must work collaboratively with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address emerging threats to Nigeria’s security.

The sooner this crisis is nipped in the bud, the better. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine!

Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi is a research student at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the author of National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective. He writes on issues related to security and governance from Kano and can be reached at: ymukhtar944@gmail.com

In an era where terrorism and transnational crime remain pervasive global threats, Nigeria is taking a proactive stance against insecurity. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON, recently underscored the country’s commitment with a strategic visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit, centered on engagements with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), marked a crucial step in reinforcing Nigeria’s role in global counterterrorism efforts and securing international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.

As the world grapples with heightened terrorist activities, Nigeria has made notable strides in combatting insurgency and criminality. Recent military operations have significantly degraded threats posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and banditry in Northern Nigeria. Yet, sustaining these gains requires collaboration beyond national borders. Dr. Matawalle’s visit comes at a time when global partnerships are increasingly pivotal to dismantling terrorism networks and addressing the root causes of insecurity.

The IMCTC, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a multilateral coalition of 41 member states dedicated to combating terrorism. Since its inception in 2015, the coalition has focused on ideological, media, financial, and military dimensions of counterterrorism. Its initiatives include training programs, intelligence sharing, and fostering international cooperation, making it an invaluable ally for Nigeria.

The IMCTC’s achievements range from capacity-building programs to comprehensive research outputs that raise awareness of extremist threats. For Nigeria, being part of this coalition means access to cutting-edge technologies, modern training, and an expansive intelligence network—tools essential for eradicating insecurity.

During his visit to the IMCTC headquarters, Dr. Matawalle held high-level discussions with Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s Secretary-General. The minister expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the training programs extended to the Nigerian Armed Forces, which have significantly enhanced their counterterrorism capabilities. He called for periodic training and greater support in areas such as forensic expertise and intelligence sharing.

Dr. Matawalle emphasized the importance of localizing modern technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s armed forces, a sentiment echoed during his discussions on bilateral military cooperation with Saudi officials. The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s plans to nominate delegates for secondment to the IMCTC, further deepening ties and enhancing collaboration.

The visit reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to contributing resources to the coalition’s operations, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness. Beyond immediate military benefits, these engagements signify a broader vision: positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in counterterrorism and a model for African-Arab collaboration.

Dr. Matawalle’s proactive approach aligns with his record of delivering results. His leadership recently spearheaded operations that neutralized key bandit leaders in Northern Nigeria, showcasing a combination of strategy, community collaboration, and international partnership.

Dr. Bello Matawalle’s visit to Saudi Arabia not only spotlighted Nigeria’s resolve to combat terrorism but also underscored the importance of global alliances in addressing shared challenges. By fostering closer ties with the IMCTC and other partners, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its military capabilities, ensure long-term stability, and contribute meaningfully to global security.

As the fight against insecurity continues, the minister’s efforts symbolize a crucial blend of diplomacy and military strategy, reaffirming Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global counterterrorism landscape.

Nathaniel Adoji is a public commentator and researcher.