Introduction

The Society for Peace Studies and Practice held its 20th International Conference and General Assembly in Ibadan, bringing together scholars, security officials and policymakers to address Nigeria's enduring security challenges and outline a shared vision for lasting peace.

What Happened

Over five days in October 2026, speakers including former Inspector-General of Police Dr Kayode Egbetokun, Vice-Chancellor Prof Kabiru Adeyemo and SPSP President Prof Adeniran Aluko discussed issues ranging from terrorism and violent extremism to climate-induced conflict, economic instability, political polarisation, misinformation and transnational crime. Participants emphasised that weak governance, widespread poverty and eroding public trust are fundamental drivers of insecurity, and that security must be understood as people's access to justice, livelihoods and institutional trust rather than mere border protection.

Why This Matters

The conference made clear that sustainable peace requires more than military response; it demands systemic reforms that address root causes. Experts proposed six priority areas—strengthening prevention and resilience, building institutional capacity, grounding decisions in intelligence, enhancing coordination, deploying technology responsibly and anchoring governance in human dignity. Data presentations revealed that Nigeria recorded over 222,000 fatalities between 2006 and 2025, with Borno and Plateau among the hardest-hit states, underscoring the urgency of bridging development gaps and regulating religious affairs to prevent violence.

Key Takeaways

The former IGP's six-point agenda—prevention, institutional strength, evidence-driven policy, partnership, responsible tech use and dignity-centred governance—provided a framework for moving forward. INEC officials highlighted that early planning, technology deployment and vigilant observation can deliver credible elections even in tense settings, offering a model for the 2027 general election. The event also amplified calls for Africa to secure permanent seats on the UN Security Council, arguing that a continent of 54 nations cannot be excluded from decisions that shape global peace.

Conclusion

SPSP 2026 reinforced that peace is built on trust, justice and shared responsibility, not force alone. As the organisation inducts new fellows and prepares future editions, the consensus is that governance reforms, inclusive development and Africa's rightful place in global decision-making are essential to breaking cycles of conflict and securing a more stable future for the region.