Beyond Guns and Checkpoints, How Cashless Transactions and Local Government Autonomy Can Strengthen Nigeria’s Security

By Demola Bakare, fsi, anipr

For years, Nigeria has relied heavily on military operations, increased security spending and law enforcement to combat banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. While these measures remain important, they have not eliminated the underlying conditions that sustain violent crime. A more sustainable security strategy, I argue, should combine traditional security operations with reforms that target criminal financing and strengthen grassroots governance.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy offers one such opportunity. Criminal networks depend on cash to fund logistics, procure weapons and pay collaborators. Expanding digital payments can create financial trails that support investigations by agencies such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement bodies.However, digitalisation must be matched by greater financial inclusion through improved banking access, telecommunications infrastructure and digital literacy, particularly in rural communities.

Equally important is local government autonomy. Communities facing insecurity often struggle with poverty, unemployment and weak public services. Empowering local governments with greater financial independence, while strengthening accountability through transparent digital governance, can improve service delivery and reduce conditions that enable criminal recruitment.

International experience suggests that stronger local institutions and transparent financial systems can complement security operations in tackling organised crime and violent extremism.

Nigeria’s long-term security will depend not only on stronger military responses but also on effective governance, accountable institutions and inclusive economic development. Combining financial transparency with responsive local governance can help build safer, more resilient communities.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.