The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in collaboration with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), has convened a strategic roundtable focused on the growing link between organised crime and insecurity in Nigeria.
The dialogue, themed “The Crime–Conflict Link: Key Trends in Illicit Markets and Instability in Nigeria,” brought together scholars, policymakers, civil society actors, and security practitioners to explore practical solutions to the country’s evolving security challenges.
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In his opening remarks, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, highlighted the increasing connection between organised crime, illicit economies, and instability across Nigeria.
He stressed the need for evidence-based policymaking, stronger institutional collaboration, and resilience-building strategies to effectively address crime-driven insecurity and promote sustainable peace.
Dr. Ochogwu noted that understanding the dynamics between illicit markets and conflict is critical to developing long-term solutions to insecurity in the country.
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Also speaking at the roundtable, the Nigeria Research Coordinator for GI-TOC, Mr. Kingsley Madueke, outlined the organisation’s global efforts in combating transnational organised crime.
He explained that GI-TOC works through research, policy engagement, resilience-building initiatives, and disruption of illicit economic networks across affected regions.
Madueke also underscored the importance of the Global Organized Crime Index as a key tool for assessing levels of criminality and resilience across African countries, including Nigeria.
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Participants at the event engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening national responses to organised crime, improving policy coordination, and enhancing security frameworks.
The roundtable reaffirmed the importance of sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the crime–conflict nexus and building a more peaceful and resilient Nigeria.