The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says corruption remains the root cause of insecurity in Nigeria, not religion or ethnicity.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known during a dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption,” held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. He stated that the fight against insecurity must begin with tackling corruption, which funds and sustains violence across the country.
Olukoyede noted that terrorists and bandits rely on stolen public funds to buy arms and destabilize communities. “No matter how many weapons are seized, if the funding channels remain open due to corruption, insecurity will continue,” he said.
He urged religious and youth leaders to help shift the public mindset, stressing that corruption should not be excused based on ethnic or religious sentiments. According to him, “We must stop justifying corruption because the perpetrator is from our tribe or faith.”
The EFCC boss also warned that many people now see stolen wealth as success, which fuels a dangerous trend. He emphasized that the youth must reject this narrative and promote integrity.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, echoed Olukoyede’s view. He said religion must serve as a tool to correct wrongs, not to cover them.
The event brought together religious leaders, youth groups, and anti-corruption advocates, all calling for a united front against corruption, which they agreed fuels insecurity and undermines national development.
