Rotimi Fasan, a Nigerian columnist, published an article titled 'These ‘structures of criminality’' on May 6, 2026, in The Punch. The piece critiques the pervasive influence of criminal networks within Nigeria's political and economic systems, arguing that these structures undermine state authority and public trust.
Fasan's analysis draws on recent events, including the arrest of a prominent politician linked to illegal mining operations in Zamfara State. He contends that such cases reveal a deeper rot, where crime and governance intersect, enabling corruption and violence.
The article calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's security and judicial institutions to dismantle these networks. Fasan emphasizes that without addressing the root causes, such as poverty and impunity, the cycle of criminality will persist.
