Godwin Eronsele Ogbebor, Founder and President of the Food, Education, Shelter and Security (FESH) Foundation, is an Edo-born international security expert. In this exclusive interview with Crusaders Voice News, he speaks on insecurity in Nigeria and how it can be tackled to restore a safe and investment-friendly environment. He also shares his experiences abroad and outlines long-term strategies for sustainable security solutions if adopted by both federal and state governments.
Leveraging International Experience for Nigeria’s Security
Q: You are a Nigerian-based German security expert. How do you intend to leverage your experience in recommending security measures for Nigeria?
“One of the reasons I left Nigeria was to seek better opportunities. However, my stay abroad was never meant to be permanent. My plan has always been to return home and contribute my quota to national development.
Living outside Nigeria made me realize how poorly Nigerians are perceived globally. At times, we are seen as coming from a war zone, and even when working on equal platforms, we are treated as inferior. That reality pushed me to collaborate with colleagues and leverage my expertise in security to proffer solutions to the insecurity challenges we face back home.
I am certified in security, aviation, infrastructure protection, and anti-terrorism. Together with my colleagues, I conducted extensive research over five years into the security challenges across various states in Nigeria. Each state has its peculiar issues, and understanding them is key to solving the problem.”
Understanding the Roots of Insecurity
Q: How did your findings help you engage the government?
“Our research revealed that Boko Haram started as a small group but later evolved into a full-blown terrorist organization. In Borno State, the killing of Mohammed Yusuf triggered a cycle of revenge that escalated into widespread violence. His deputy intensified the conflict, and over time, the group became dominant.
Because members of the sect were already embedded within the community, it became difficult to contain. Eventually, international terrorist groups like ISIS exploited the situation and established a foothold. This shows that insecurity, if not tackled early, can escalate beyond control.
Our findings further show that addressing terrorism could take up to 30 years to achieve maximum success. The solution lies in grooming the next generation. If we invest in young people aged 18 and above today, within 15 to 20 years, they will become responsible adults less likely to engage in crime. Different regions, however, require different timelines.”
Personal Encounter with Insecurity
“I have had firsthand experience. I once faced an attempted robbery in Sokoto while traveling in the 1990s. A group identified me as a southerner and planned to rob me, but the driver intervened. I took refuge in a mosque, and after morning prayers the next day, I was escorted safely to continue my journey. That experience reinforced my understanding of the realities on the ground.”
Role of FESH Foundation
Q: How has your foundation promoted effective security advocacy?
“The FESH Foundation, established in 2005, focuses on Food, Education, Shelter, and Security. We act as an intermediary between the government and the people.
Recently, we organized a security summit where we presented actionable solutions. We have been advocating proper funding of security agencies, reforms in correctional centres, and continuous training of security personnel. We have also developed a comprehensive security blueprint for adoption by federal and state governments. Our goal is to see a safe Nigeria where citizens can live and thrive.”
Job Creation and Funding Strategy
“Our research shows that over 4,155,000 jobs can be created across wards in Edo State without direct government funding. We proposed a system where internet users contribute between ₦100 and ₦200 monthly to support community intelligence officers.
With over 3 million internet users, this can generate sustainable funding. When people contribute financially, they demand accountability, ensuring transparency. This way, everyone becomes involved in securing their lives and property.”
Community-Based Security Approach
Q: How will this strategy redefine the security space?
“We discovered that many abandoned properties are being used for criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
Our model promotes community participation:
Traditional leaders will nominate 3 representatives from their community while
Religious centres that are most populus will provide 3 youth members and
Government will provides 2 representatives while
Opposition provides 1 representative to make 15 personnel per ward.
This ensures inclusiveness. Each ward will have about 15 trained intelligence personnel working in shifts.
These personnel will undergo structured training for two to three years, leading to internationally recognized certification.
In countries like Germany, security is a professional field. This ensures continuity, unlike temporary vigilante systems that often collapse with changes in government.
We also emphasize the inclusion of psychology in training, so correctional centres can truly reform individuals rather than harden them.”
Timeline for Addressing Insecurity If implemented:
Kidnapping can be drastically reduced within 3 years
General insecurity can stabilize within 3–5 years
Regional conflicts may take up to 10 years
Terrorism may require up to 30 years to fully address”
Message to Government and Edo People
“Edo people are hardworking and widely traveled. Government must create a safe environment that encourages those in the diaspora to return and invest.
We must move away from a situation where people are only brought home for burial. Instead, let us make Edo State safe for living, working, and doing business.
Let us reclaim our communities and take responsibility for our future.”