Deji Adeyanju Claims Insecurity Is a Business in Nigeria — Analysis and Reality
“Insecurity Is Big Business in Nigeria” — Deji Adeyanju Sparks Debate, But Is There Truth Behind It?
When Deji Adenyanju declared that “insecurity is a lucrative business in Nigeria,” it didn’t just trend, it triggered a national conversation. In a country battling insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence, such a statement cuts deep. But beyond the outrage and headlines, one question stands:
“Is this a harsh truth… or a dangerous allegation?” Adeyanju didn’t stop at criticism, he went further to, suggest that some individuals may be benefiting from insecurity, question the effectiveness of the current security structure, and call for the deployment of foreign mercenaries to tackle the crisis. These are not just comments, they are serious claims that challenge the integrity of the system itself.
Let’s be honest, the reason this statement is spreading like wildfire is simple. Many Nigerians are frustrated. Despite continuous operations by the Nigerian Army, insecurity persists in different forms, insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and kidnappings across several states. For the average citizen, it raises a painful question; “why does the problem never seem to full go away?”
This is where things get serious. There are two different truths that must not be confused: Truth 1: Insecurity Has Lasted Too Long: billions are spent yearly on defense, multiple operations have been launched, yet, threats continue to evolve. This justifies criticism and public concern. Truth 2: “Insecurity Is a Business” Is an Allegation: Saying insecurity is a “business” suggests, deliberate profit-making from chaos. But here’s the reality, there is no verified evidence proving institutional complicity, thousands of soldiers have risked and lost their lives fighting insurgents, and operations across regions show active resistance against criminal groups. So while frustration is valid, the claim itself remains unproven.
Adeyanju’s call for foreign mercenaries is equally controversial. Why Some Support It; fresh tactics and expertise, faster, more aggressive operations, examples from countries like Mali. Why It’s Dangerous; threatens national sovereignty, risk of human rights abuses, and could create dependency on foreign forces. In simple terms, Mercenaries might win battles, but they can also create new long-term problems.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth; Nigeria’s insecurity is not just a military problem. It is a systemic issue, driven by, poverty and unemployment, weak intelligence networks, porous borders, and political and regional complexities. So even if you kill insurgents, arrest criminals, or deploy more troops. Without fixing the root causes, the cycle continues.
You can also read;
https://everydaystorynetwork.blogspot.com/2026/03/nigerian-troops-kill-top-iswap.html
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EverydayStoryNetwork Perspective
Adeyanju’s statement may be controversial, even extreme, but it forces Nigeria to confront a critical questio; “why has insecurity become so persistent?” Because when people begin to believe that insecurity is “profitable,” It signals a collapse of public trust. And once trust is gone, even genuine efforts by security forces become questioned and doubted.
If Nigeria truly wants to end insecurity, here’s what must change: invest heavily in surveillance and intelligence gathering, build trust with local communities, job creation in high-risk regions, youth empowerment programs, reducing the pool of vulnerable recruits, strengthen ties with neighboring countries, conduct joint cross-border operations, clear reporting of security spending, strengthen oversight to rebuild public trust, education and awareness campaigns, engage religious and community leaders.
Adeyanju’s statement is not just controversial, It is a mirror reflecting public frustration. Whether true or not, the fact that many Nigerians can relate to it is a problem in itself. Because in the end; if insecurity continues → people lose hope, if trust disappears → the system weakens, and if nothing changes → the cycle continues.


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