Former senator and Imo governorship candidate, Athan Achonu, has alleged that political actors and illegal mining interests are behind Nigeria’s lingering insecurity.
Speaking on Arise News, Achonu said, “It’s the governors and the mining cartel. It’s straightforward and simple,” claiming that insecurity is deliberately allowed to thrive in some areas for political advantage.
He recalled investigating the activities of Chinese nationals in forest communities during his time in the Senate.
“I investigated it. I was wondering why Chinese were living in the forest, foreigners relating with the b@ndits, while villagers were running away and being kidn@pped,” he said. “I investigated to find out what was happening. It’s the solid mineral cartel that ruined Congo. They’re here.”
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Achonu also alleged that efforts to improve security in Imo State were frustrated despite his financial support.
“Please allow me to fix the police stations in Okigwe. I brought my money. I gave Innoson ₦100 million to fix police APCs on their behalf, but the government blocked it,” he claimed.
He further quoted former military ruler Sani Abacha, saying, “Any time you have insecurity that lasts for more than 48 hours, that government has a hand in it.”
On solutions, Achonu opposed state police, arguing it could be misused by powerful governors. Instead, he advocated stronger local government structures, regional security arrangements and forest guards to tackle insecurity.
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