WHEN VDM SPOKE ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

WHEN VDM SPOKE ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

VeryDarkMan once again demonstrated today at the NBA Conference that, beyond his controversial personality and outspoken nature, he has developed a remarkable understanding of some of the complex security and socio-political issues confronting Nigeria.

A question was thrown at him: “Who do you think are the beneficiaries of insecurity in Nigeria?”

His response was immediate and bold: the government and the political elite.

He went further to explain his position from different angles:

1. SECURITY FUNDING:

According to his argument, insecurity often results in increased government spending on the military and other security agencies. The more severe the insecurity becomes, the more resources are allocated to fighting it. This, he argued, creates a system where some actors may have an interest in the continued existence of the problem.

2. MINERAL RESOURCES AND ILLEGAL MINING:

He also connected insecurity with areas where valuable mineral resources have been discovered. His argument was that, in some instances, creating fear and displacing local inhabitants could make it easier for illegal mining activities to take place without resistance from the communities. This is a serious allegation, but it is also a question that deserves independent investigation wherever credible evidence exists.

3. MONEY LAUNDERING AND POLITICAL INTERESTS:

VDM further raised concerns about the livestock economy and alleged financial interests involving politicians, government officials and cattle ownership. He suggested that some individuals could use investments in cattle as a means of moving or concealing illicit wealth, while communities and ordinary citizens ultimately bear the consequences when conflicts involving herders and farmers occur.

Whether one agrees with every aspect of his analysis or not, the bigger question he raised is worth discussing: who truly benefits when insecurity persists, and who pays the ultimate price?

The poor masses are often the ones displaced from their homes, farmers lose their means of livelihood, businesses collapse, children are unable to attend school, families are separated, and innocent Nigerians lose their lives.

Meanwhile, questions continue to be raised about the enormous resources committed to combating insecurity and whether those resources are producing commensurate results.

At some point, Nigerians must move beyond merely asking “Who is responsible for insecurity?” and begin asking another equally important question:

“Who benefits from its persistence?”

That is where the conversation becomes deeper.

I must confess, at times I find myself wondering how someone who reportedly did not pass through the conventional walls of a notable Nigerian university can speak with such confidence and depth on issues of governance, security, politics and society.

But perhaps that is the lesson: formal education and knowledge are not always the same thing.

VDM may be controversial. He may be confrontational. He may sometimes express himself in ways that many people disagree with. But today's performance showed that he is capable of engaging serious national questions and defending his positions when challenged.

He did justice to virtually every question thrown at him, and for me, it was one of those moments when you may disagree with the messenger but still find yourself thinking deeply about the message.

Nigeria needs more conversations like this—conversations that challenge assumptions, demand accountability and force us to examine the interests behind the problems confronting ordinary citizens.

The question remains: In whose interest is Nigeria's insecurity sustained?

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