The Nigeria Integrity Watch, a coalition of civil society organisations, has criticised calls by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, to refer Nigeria’s security situation to the UN Security Council.
SERAP had recently called on the UN to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter, warning that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity—marked by killings, abductions and displacement—poses a threat to regional and international peace. (Punch Newspapers)
However, the coalition argued that rather than directing its advocacy against the Nigerian government, SERAP should focus its efforts on exposing and tackling those responsible for financing terrorism.
In a statement signed by its National Convener, Dr. John Samuel Nangi, the group described SERAP’s position as unfair, counterproductive, and potentially damaging to Nigeria’s image in the international community.
Nangi warned that escalating the country’s internal security challenges to the UN Security Council could have unintended consequences for ordinary Nigerians, who bear no responsibility for the insecurity confronting the nation.
According to him, rather than portraying Nigeria as incapable of managing its affairs, attention should be directed at individuals allegedly involved in financing terrorism and violent crimes.
“If SERAP truly seeks to contribute meaningfully to the fight against insecurity, it should channel its efforts towards identifying and reporting those linked to terrorism financing through appropriate international mechanisms, instead of casting the entire country in a negative light,” he said.
The group maintained that the Federal Government has continued to commit significant resources and personnel to combating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the coalition argued that portraying the government as complicit in terrorism amounts to a distortion of facts and an unfair assessment of ongoing efforts by security agencies.
The coalition also questioned what it described as SERAP’s silence on individuals who have, at various times, been linked to negotiations and engagements with armed groups.
Nangi stressed that organisations advocating accountability must apply consistent standards and avoid what he termed selective activism.
He recalled that security agencies had previously announced investigations into persons accused of sponsoring terrorism and other violent activities, insisting that such individuals—not the Nigerian state—should be the focus of both local and international scrutiny.
“Nigeria’s real enemies are those who finance, sponsor, and aid criminal elements—not the government that continues to invest resources daily to protect lives and property,” he said.
The coalition further argued that presenting the Federal Government to the international community as though it were responsible for terrorist activities is illogical and risks undermining ongoing national security efforts.
It noted that insecurity did not begin with the current administration, pointing out that successive governments have grappled with the challenge while seeking sustainable solutions.
While recognising public concerns over the security situation, the group urged civil society organisations to adopt constructive engagement and support measures aimed at strengthening security institutions.
Nangi added that criticism of government policies should be evidence-based and pursued through appropriate institutional channels.
He emphasised that the fight against terrorism requires national unity, collaboration, and responsible advocacy, rather than actions capable of tarnishing the country’s global reputation.
The coalition therefore called on SERAP to reconsider its stance and redirect its advocacy towards supporting efforts to identify, expose, and prosecute terrorism financiers.
According to the group, strengthening institutions and targeting criminal sponsors remain the most effective strategies for addressing insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes in Nigeria.