UK–Nigeria Brighter Futures Programme Demonstrates that Prevention Works in Tackling Serious, Organised Crime

Raheem Akingbolu

The UK-funded Brighter Futures programme has demonstrated that a Prevent-led approach to tackling serious and organised crime can deliver measurable, sustainable impact for both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Developed in the UK, the Prevent approach is a proactive, prevention-first model that identifies individuals at risk of criminality early and diverts them toward positive pathways before harm occurs.

Delivered in partnership with Nigerian federal and state institutions, Brighter Futures has applied this model to the Nigerian context, addressing the root causes of organised crime and reducing vulnerability among at-risk young people.

Operating across Bayelsa, Edo, Lagos and Zamfara states, the programme moves beyond enforcement-only responses by intervening early through mentoring, skills training, apprenticeships, counselling and community-led support. These interventions provide viable alternatives to crime while strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement.

A central achievement of Brighter Futures has been the establishment of durable Prevent structures at federal, state and local levels, including a national Prevent Advisory Board, State Crime Prevention Steering Groups and Local Crime Prevention Partnerships. These platforms bring together government agencies, law enforcement, civil society, faith leaders and community representatives to deliver coordinated, locally owned prevention efforts. In several locations, the structures are now self-sustaining, with local contributions exceeding initial UK investment.

The programme has also driven institutional change within the Nigerian Police Force. Prevent training has been delivered across all four target states and formally integrated into the national police curriculum, embedding a prevention-first mindset within policing practice. A train-the-trainer model supports scale-up and
long-term sustainability.

Strategic communications have further amplified impact. Campaigns such as Thrive Online and Cancel Cults, delivered through social media, radio, schools, community outreach and religious sermons, have challenged harmful narratives, reduced tolerance for organised crime and strengthened community resilience. Programme messaging and activities have reached tens of millions of people nationwide.

To date, Brighter Futures has directly supported more than 1,000 vulnerable young people, the majority of whom have disengaged from pathways linked to serious and organised crime. Many are now earning livelihoods through vocational trades, digital skills and small enterprises, while acting as positive role models within their communities.

Brighter Futures has now been adopted at the highest policy levels in Nigeria. Prevent principles have been incorporated into national frameworks with Nigerian institutions independently funding and scaling elements of the model. What began as a UK-funded pilot has evolved into a nationally owned approach to crime prevention.

By reducing recruitment into criminal networks at source, Brighter Futures delivers shared benefits for Nigeria and the UK, helping to disrupt transnational crime including cybercrime and fraud before harm occurs.

Brighter Futures demonstrates a clear conclusion: prevention works when communities, law enforcement and government work together to build resilience, trust and opportunity.