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.
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.
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.
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.