By Mary Obaebor

The conversation around regional insecurity and its far-reaching implications is gaining global attention, with Nigeria’s South-East region emerging as a critical focal point. Amid growing concerns about separatist agitations, economic instability, and governance failures, the question of how local violence disrupts national and continental stability has taken centre stage. Addressing this issue is not just about deploying military resources or tightening security measures — it’s about understanding the underlying socio-economic and political dynamics that perpetuate unrest. For Nigeria and indeed Africa, the challenges in the South-East highlight deeper systemic issues that resonate far beyond the region.

Oluwole Ojewale, ENACT Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator – Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), is at the forefront of this critical dialogue. His recently published report in Nigeria’s Premium Times and South Africa’s Daily Maverick, with additional insight from Freedom Onuoha, offers an incisive analysis of the escalating violence in Nigeria’s South East. Through his evaluation of the roots of this crisis and its broader implications, Ojewale sheds light on what he describes as a “complex intersection of separatist tensions, socio-economic grievances, and governance failures.” His work challenges conventional responses to insecurity, advocating for holistic strategies that prioritize collaboration, trust-building, and long-term stability.

Ojewale highlights a staggering 555.7% increase in violent deaths in the region between 2020 and 2021. Imo State leads the statistics with 208 recorded fatalities, followed by Anambra and Ebonyi. “The South-East, once one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions, has now become a hotspot of insecurity, threatening not only local livelihoods but also the national economy,” Ojewale remarked. He identified key drivers of the violence, including separatist agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, excessive state militarization, and systemic governance failures.

The report emphasises the counterproductive impact of the federal government’s heavy-handed approach, which Ojewale described as “aggressive militarization that alienates local communities and fuels extremism.” He referenced Amnesty International’s findings that security crackdowns between March and June 2021 resulted in over 115 deaths and the arrest of more than 500 individuals. “These measures deepen distrust and do little to address the root causes of insecurity,” he added.

Ojewale advocates for a holistic response to the crisis, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration and a unified security strategy. He urged the establishment of a framework similar to the South-West’s Amotekun initiative to replace the fragmented and less effective Ebubeagu security outfit in the South-East. “A coordinated and intelligence-driven security structure is essential to curb violence and restore stability in the region,” he asserted.

Beyond immediate security measures, Ojewale’s analysis explores the socio-economic impact of the crisis. The ongoing violence has destabilized critical manufacturing and commercial hubs, such as Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi, which play vital roles in Nigeria’s economic growth. “The stakes are high—if these issues remain unaddressed, the region’s instability will deter investments and further erode trust in the government,” Ojewale warned.

Drawing from his expertise at the ISS Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin, Ojewale’s report is a potential roadmap for Nigerian policymakers. His recommendations emphasize rebuilding trust between the government and local communities, addressing separatist tensions, and fostering regional cooperation. As Ojewale aptly concluded, “A holistic response is not just necessary but urgent — it is the only path to sustainable peace and development in the South-East.”