By Blessing Adure;
The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a non-kinetic approach to tackling the country’s worsening security challenges by integrating youth-based auxiliary institutions into the nation’s security architecture.
The National Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Dickson Akoh, made the call on Friday in Abuja during a media briefing to mark the organisation’s 28th anniversary and 2026 Founder’s Day celebration.
Akoh said Nigeria’s current security challenges required broader collaboration beyond conventional security operations, stressing that structured youth engagement, grassroots intelligence gathering and community-based surveillance would strengthen national
security.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture but urged the Federal Government to draw lessons from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil, where auxiliary security organisations complement conventional forces.
According to him, the Peace Corps, with over 187,000 members nationwide, is well positioned to support intelligence gathering, school safety, neighbourhood watch and other non-kinetic interventions, allowing the military and other security agencies to concentrate on core security operations.
Akoh also appealed to the Senate to expedite the passage of the Peace Corps Establishment Bill, describing its eventual enactment and presidential assent as the organisation’s most cherished anniversary gift.
He urged members of the Corps to remain disciplined, resilient and committed to their mandate of youth development, peace-building and national service despite years of legislative and institutional challenges.
