Inflation, Youth Unemployment Fueling Insecurity, Says Air Chief

Nigeria's Air Force chief, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Wednesday, blamed the country's economic woes for worsening security challenges. He mentioned high inflation, youth unemployment, and a tough economy as the reasons behind the rise in security threats.

Note that immediately after his swearing-in, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made public the removal of the fuel subsidy, which was soon followed by the devaluation of the nation’s currency.

Coupled with a staggering inflation rate of nearly 33.95%, these actions have caused immense hardship for the general population.

Reacting during a meeting with the Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding in Abuja, Abubakar affirmed that there was a need to review their performances.

He stated that the economic hardship, high rate of youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and high multidimensional poverty have further aggravated the security situation in Nigeria.

This leadership meeting is essential to comprehensively assess our progress in transforming the Nigerian Air Force over the past year, ensuring it meets Nigeria's security needs.

Abubakar noted that the war between Ukraine and Russia has led to “crippling economic hardship” in countries like Nigeria, contributing to social unrest.

He affirmed that the Russian-Ukraine war created notable economic havoc that negatively affected world food prices and led to higher costs of living, especially in vulnerable economies like Nigeria. These dire economic situations fuel insecurity.

The war in Russia and Ukraine has made it difficult for the Nigerian Air Force to get replacement parts and maintain our Mi-series helicopters, which are essential for fighting terrorism and insurgencies.

He said, "The recent coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, coupled with their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have dealt a blow to regional security efforts.