… Says early conflict signs must be identified and checked
The heightening insecurity across the world is increasingly becoming worrisome as economic impact of global violence reached $19.97 trillion in 2024.
A security expert, Wale Adeagbo of Halogen Group, relying on international finding said this figure is equivalent to 11.6% of global GDP, with military expenditure alone accounting for $2.7 trillion.
Adeagbo who discussed ‘Peace Building and conflict prevention’ at a one-day seminar organized by the Halogen Group, foremost security risk management company in partnership with Rotary Club of Omole Golden, in Lagos noted that the global peace is at its lowest level and the conditions that precede peace are the worst since World War 2.
“Global peacefulness has deteriorated every year since 2014, with 100 countries deteriorating over the last decade. There are currently 59 active state-based conflicts, with 152,000 conflict-related deaths recorded in 2024. The world is at an inflection point”
According to him, some of the factors leading to conflicts to include economic down-turn, misinformation and disinformation, state-based armed conflict, and growing divisions and social polarization…leading to instability and protests, impacting governance and security.
He said in Nigeria these factors translate to increased kidnapping cases and community disputes. He presented findings from the company’s soon-to-be-released security outlook, highlighting kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency, and others as the most urgent security concerns affecting both individuals and communities.
On achieving peace, Adeagbo who is Director, Centre of Excellence at Halogen Security Company emphasized the importance of meeting basic human needs to obviate restlessness; and to avoid rebellion and uprising, individuals and groups must be accommodated in any decision-making process.
Adeagbo also said that warning signs of conflict must be identified and checked early enough before it escalates.
He also stated that, “Effective peace building requires structured frameworks, shared responsibility, and a shift from reactive responses to preventive strategies. Security is not the sole preserve of government agencies; it is a collective national obligation.”
Degbola Lewis , Chairman, Peace Building And Conflict Prevention Committee, Rotary Club of Omole Golden said the seminar is a deliberate intervention because believes that sustainable peace is not accidental; it is built intentionally through collaboration, understanding, and shared responsibility.
He said peacebuilding for Rotary is not merely the absence of violence. “It is the presence of justice, inclusion, opportunity, and trust. It is about strengthening institutions, empowering communities, and equipping individuals with the tools to resolve disputes constructively”.
Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, President of Rotary Club of Omole Golden, emphasized Rotary’s longstanding commitment to peace advocacy and community development. “Peace-building is not an abstract concept, it is a deliberate, structured effort that requires civic engagement and institutional collaboration.
The engagement reinforced the principle that conflict prevention is more effective and less costly than crisis response. Participants also highlighted the need for early intervention mechanisms, community-based security networks, and continuous dialogue between government, the private sector, and civil society. Halogen Security Company continues to leverage its national footprint and operational expertise to convene critical conversations and support the development of security solutions across Nigeria.
The event brought together key figures, including Jimoh Moshood, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State; Babajide Adisa, Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Command; and officials from NSCDC Lagos Command, LASTMA and LSSTF.
