In your view, what are the biggest gaps – whether in structure or intelligence – that continue to fuel insecurity across Nigeria, especially with the recent surge in violence in the North Central and parts of the South-West?
There is no doubt that maintaining internal security in any country is a collective responsibility, and the need for synergy among distinct security bodies cannot be overemphasised. Each security agency in Nigeria has a different but complementary role to play. But without inter-agency unity, cordial relationships and cooperation among these agencies, we will continue to record failures.
Inter-agency unity creates a platform for networking, building a security database, analyzing conflict indicators, and enabling early warnings. Unfortunately, one or more agencies are not performing optimally, often due to poor funding or institutional constraints. We must realize that with Nigeria’s porous borders and sophisticated threats, no single agency can handle it all. We need collective action to generate effective solutions and maximize security responses.
Many Nigerians believe state policing can help tackle local insecurity more effectively. Given your experience, do you think decentralizing the police force would lead to better intelligence and quicker response – or complicate coordination and command?
The debate around state policing is valid. However, while decentralised policing is desirable in the face of our current national security realities, and socio-economic and demographic dynamics, even more crucial is inter-security agencies synergy. If the federal, state, and community security structures are not communicating and collaborating, decentralization will not solve the problem. We need a clear command-and-control mechanism and a centralized criminal database project integrating National Identity Number, passport, driver license, and SIM registration linked to the National Security Adviser’s office, with Artificial Intelligence and facial recognition for real-time surveillance.
There’s growing public frustration with the current state of security. From where you stand, what are the most urgent reforms the Nigeria Police Force needs to become more effective?
We need massive reforms in leadership structure, welfare, and training. Inter-agency rivalry must end. Also, we must organize regular leadership conferences that go down to the state and local government levels to encourage a harmonious workforce. Improved remuneration, logistics, and intelligence-sharing platforms are urgent needs. I always say that good and excellent reward packages would motivate officers and reduce friction among agencies. Above all, we need to, like Mr. President projected, to change the doctrine and practice of policing in the country to align law enforcement functions to citizens’ expectations, democratic process, rule of law, and global best standard and to prepare the police to professionally deal with current and futuristic threats in the face of a technology-driven crime environment_
Terror groups and criminal gangs seem to be getting smarter, using local knowledge and blending into communities. Do you think our intelligence framework is equipped to deal with this level of threat? What changes are needed to stay ahead of these tactics?
Our current intelligence tools are no longer effective. They are obsolete. Terror groups and criminal gangs have become tech-savvy and operate fluidly. We need to harness technology – facial recognition, AI-powered surveillance, and robust intelligence data collection. Also, establishing a centralized intelligence gathering and sharing framework is long overdue. We must upgrade the National Security Officer’s Office to a truly Intelligence Fusion Centre and an effective coordination hub, and ensure full enforcement of the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
How would you rate the level of cooperation between the Police, the Department of State Services, the military, and other security agencies? Are inter-agency tensions holding back progress? What practical steps can be taken to improve collaboration?
Truly, cooperation remains poor. Factors militating against inter-agency unity include lack of strategic guidance, outdated equipment, inadequate manpower, institutional constraints, and absence of inter-service communication. Superiority complex is another issue – some agencies see themselves as superior to others. This is counterproductive.
To improve, we need a national policy on inter-agency unity, joint training and strategic workshops; compatibility in operational structures; shared command and control frameworks; regular public-private security engagement and community inclusion.
Let us remember that the United States of America improved its national security post-9/11 through deep inter-agency coordination. For instance, Operation Chevrolet and Operation Overt succeeded because FBI, CIA, MI5, and others worked together seamlessly.
Looking back on your years of service, what key lessons do you believe today’s security leadership is overlooking in tackling the complex challenges Nigeria now faces?
During my tenure as Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Lagos and Rivers State Command, I championed inter-agency unity. We created a Stakeholders’ Forum, which brought together experts from law enforcement, academia, and private sector. This led to the construction of a three-storey forensic investigation lab with state-of-the-art equipment.
Similarly, when I tackled the fuel subsidy fraud in 2012, I partnered with EFCC, CBN, NDIC, Customs, and Navy. This synergy produced excellent results. In Rivers, I launched “SAY NO TO KIDNAPPING,” which succeeded because of cooperation with the military and community leaders.
The lesson is clear: collaboration wins. One agency cannot secure Nigeria. Together Everyone Achieves More – TEAMWORK.
What do you recommend as a national roadmap for improving security outcomes through better collaboration?
To improve security collaboration, we need structured leadership engagement at all levels, backed by a strong command and control system. Intelligence must be tech-driven, with AI integration and a centralized criminal database under the NSA. Border security should involve joint operations, and agencies like the NDLEA must be supported by others in the fight against drugs.
Customs and Immigration must work in sync with other forces, and a legislated inter-agency cooperation model is essential. Regular joint training, better welfare for personnel, media responsibility, and a strategic planning unit within the NSA’s office are also key.
Security is a shared goal. Only teamwork can deliver it. The time for inter-agency unity is now.
