By Jide Babalola, Assistant Editor
With uncanny agreement, various composite analyses of global security threats from 2007 to 2022 do not show Nigeria in good light as an investment destination. In apparent realization that actualization of his administration’s populist “Renewed Hope” manifesto depends on a drastic reversal of the situation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s June 1 meeting with service chiefs was emphatic about the prioritization of inter-agency cooperation.
‘Tinubu Has Started Well’
With the emphasis on the key issue of inter-agency cooperation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started well towards effectively tackling Nigeria’s myriad of security challenges, highly experienced members of Nigeria’s security and intelligence community have asserted.
According to several of them, prioritizing inter-agency cooperation among Nigeria’s various intelligence agencies within his first two days in office indicates strong awareness that it is a prime strategic factor that has remained a potent force for the continued success of many countries in tackling domestic and external security threats of all kinds across the globe.
According to a former military spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), a retired Commissioner of Police and a lawyer, Lawrence Alobi, a former senior operative of the Directorate of Military Intelligence and security consultant, Captain Umar B. Aliyu along with other serving and retired intelligence experts who prefer anonymity, inter-agency cooperation, the choice of Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser and appointment of service chiefs who had long records of official interactions all give cause for much optimism.
However, they stress the need to sustain focus and strict professionalism in other subsequent appointments in addition to the provision of relevant logistics and other resources to enable the security agencies tackle lingering challenges more effectively.
According to Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, an alumni of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies who participated in various international peacekeeping operations before retiring as spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria’s current generation of military officers and service chiefs can work very well with the office of the National security Adviser towards ensuring effective inter-agency capabilities against all security threats.
“There is no doubt that inter-agency cooperation, collaboration and coordination play a vital role in addressing the myriad and complex security challenges in the country by fostering information sharing, use of technology, coordination, and synergy among various agencies; priorities worth considering include enhancing technology and infrastructure, investing in intelligence capabilities, gaining the trust and respect of the people by strengthening civil-military relations and fostering collaboration with other components of Nigerian society.
“As for reasons why Nigerians should be more optimistic, despite the challenges, there are several positive factors to consider: Nigeria possesses immense human and natural resources, a vibrant and resilient population, and determined military and security forces and more so, the new administration has demonstrated good focus and sincerity of purpose thus far.
According to Kukasheka, the determination and resilience of the Nigerian people, coupled with effective governance and inclusive policies by a populist administration along with the appointment of a new and competent national security adviser whose pedigree is well known, elevation of well-trained, professional and experienced senior military officers to head the armed forces while seasoned officers like Nigerian Customs’ Bashir Wale Adeniyi head other agencies all point to the possibilities of elevating Nigeria towards realizing a great future
Speaking in similar vein with some former operatives of the Department of Security Services, Captain UB Aliyu who served in the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) stated that President Tinubu started well by stressing inter-agency coordination, adding that contrary to some speculations, the appointment of a non-military person like Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is not an issue to bother about at all.
“What President Tinubu did immediately he assumed office by summoning service chiefs and emphasizing inter-agency cooperation has very weighty implications; security is an end-goal and all agencies or stakeholders must play their roles with good integration and coordination.
“For professionals, there is nothing unusual about the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as NSA and being a military general is not always necessary; the father of America’s Central Intelligence Agency, Sherman Kent was never a soldier but a History lecturer who had the vision to lay the foundation for what became one of the world’s greatest intelligence-gathering agency.
“Besides, security chiefs at all levels must be dissuaded from assumptions made during our years of military rule that security is a concern for the military alone; the military is only one out of other layers and NIA, DIA, police, citizens and everyone have a duty to work together towards ensuring Nigeria’s security, peace and order,” Aliyu stated while emphasizing the preeminence of inter-agency cooperation.
Also, Mr. Lawrence Alobi who retired after serving as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory to become a lawyer and security consultant asserted that there is a prevalent perception among top professionals that President Tinubu has started well towards tackling Nigeria’s myriad of security issues.
Like Alobi and UB Aliyu, Kukasheka, an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) emphasized professionalism and a holistic approach towards effectively tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Kukasheka spoke further: “Regarding the new security chiefs, their impact on moving Nigeria forward depends on their ability to inspire professionalism, foster inter-agency cooperation, implement strategic reforms, and engage with the diverse needs of the Nigerian people; their success will be determined by the strategic direction of the President, Commander-in-Chief, and the support and cooperation of the Nigerian people.
“Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize professionalism, accountability, transparency, inter-agency cooperation and collaboration between them, respect for human rights, training and welfare of personnel and they should also continue to improve on targeted operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.
“At the same time, the government should ensure a holistic approach to addressing security challenges, not just using security forces always, it should also enhance good governance and strengthen institutions and constructive engagement of the youth through education and employment opportunities: government must uphold human rights and the rule of law in the land and it should assist further with all the requirements of the security agencies that would enhance their professionalism, capabilities and well-being,” he added.
Peculiar threats
Every country on earth has its peculiar security threats for which elaborate measures are made towards putting challenges in check.
The ‘National Security Strategy’ articulated by the Office of the National Security Adviser has identified Nigeria’s major security threats and all, without exception, require some good measure of inter-agency collaboration to tackle efficiently. These are: Terrorism and Violent Extremism, Armed Banditry and Kidnapping, Militancy and Separatist Agitations, Pastoralists and Farmers Conflicts, Transnational Organized Crime, Piracy and Sea Robbery, Porous Borders, Cybercrimes and Technology Challenges, Socio-Political Threats, Fake News and Hate Speech, Environmental Threats, Public Health Challenges, Economic Challenges (including Energy Deficit, Crude Oil Related Crimes, Unemployment and Poverty), Global Economic Challenges as well as Regional and Global Security Challenges.
Many agencies
Hitherto, a history of Nigeria’s various security agencies is populated by unusual cases of frictions and weak inter-agency coordination.
According to experts, the complexity of intelligence-gathering and resolution of security threats is such that a single case may sometimes include, for example, tracing of a terror suspect’s foreign sponsors by EFCC and NIA, monitoring his bank transactions and accomplices in Nigeria by EFCC, DSS, search of items being imported by Customs, an arrest by the police and eliciting of further intelligence by prison officials and finally, the use of coercive force on terrorist collaborators’ camps by Nigeria Air Force and the Nigerian Army.
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Massive amounts of data being received by one agency may be of extreme significance towards the success of other agencies. For instance, few days ago, EFCC’s Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) unit announced the deployment of a uniquely developed software analytical tool called SCUML 360 ° which has an Artificial Intelligence analytical feature and capability to process 20 million bank transactions on a single server. Such capability turns terrorists, scammers and other crooks into goldfish with no hiding place, yielding real-time intelligence that can massively enhance the operational success of other agencies.
While the new administration’s focus on inter-agency cooperation is being discussed, possibilities of maximizing the advantages of interconnectedness in the intersecting areas of the statutory duties of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies deserve paramount attention.
Like the EFCC, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) easily capture public attention and imagination; other agencies with daily or routine mother lode of intelligence in Nigeria include the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Others include the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (formerly Nigerian Prisons Service), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Securing Nigeria’s Future: Twenty Tasks Before New Service Chiefs
In all official and informal discussions towards reviewing Nigeria’s security architecture, most experts emphasize the issue of inter-agency cooperation. For a very long time, undue friction, inadequate sharing of intelligence and sometimes outright lack of cooperation towards the apprehension of suspected threat actors are only a few of the rooted problems that necessitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s immediate and decisive decision on the issue within his first forty-eight hours in office.
Indeed, experience has shown that without properly addressing security issues, much of the promises and developmental strategies articulated in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” manifesto may be threatened by various forms of security threats.
Thus, the selection of service chiefs based largely on qualification, past records and intelligence analysis that point to great potential for mutual coordination
An “Insight and Best Practices Paper” of the United States Joint Service Chiefs’ Deployable Training Division titled “Inter-organizational Cooperation” emphasizes the significance of extending trust and shared understanding extend beyond commanders and subordinates to inter organizational cooperation in order to support, promote, and facilitate a comprehensive approach towards achieving national and international objectives.
Addressing security challenges, curbing terrorist threats, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity are crucial for Nigeria’s progress and development. The newly-appointed military and security service chiefs play a vital role in achieving these objectives. Here are some ways they can contribute to moving Nigeria forward:
· Enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing: Effective intelligence is essential for preventing and countering security threats. The new chiefs can prioritize intelligence gathering, analysis, and sharing among security agencies. This will enable a more coordinated approach to identifying and neutralizing terrorist networks, kidnappers, and criminal elements.
· Strengthening inter-agency cooperation: Collaboration and coordination among security agencies are essential for combating insecurity. The new heads can foster a culture of cooperation, breaking down silos, and promoting joint operations. This will lead to better synergy, information exchange, and more effective responses to security challenges.
· Improving training and capacity building: Regular training and capacity building programs are crucial for equipping security personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle evolving security threats. The chiefs can invest in comprehensive training programs, including counterterrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, modern investigative techniques, and human rights awareness. This will enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of the security forces.
· Utilizing technology and modern equipment: The chiefs should prioritize the acquisition and deployment of modern technology and equipment to aid security operations. This includes advanced surveillance systems, communication tools, drones, and other cutting-edge technologies. By leveraging technology, security forces can improve their response time, intelligence gathering capabilities, and overall operational effectiveness.
· Engaging with local communities: Building trust and collaboration with local communities is essential for gathering intelligence, countering radicalization, and gaining support in the fight against insecurity. The new chiefs can initiate community engagement programs, encouraging community policing initiatives, and fostering dialogue to address local grievances. Such efforts can help to disrupt criminal networks and improve the flow of actionable information.
· Strengthening border security: Nigeria shares borders with several neighbouring countries, which can be exploited by terrorists, smugglers, and other criminals. The chiefs can prioritize enhancing border security through increased surveillance, joint patrols, and information sharing with neighbouring countries. This will help in curbing the movement of illegal arms, drugs, and terrorist elements across borders.
· Promoting international collaboration: Terrorism and insecurity are global challenges that require international cooperation. The new chiefs can strengthen relationships with international partners, such as intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, and military organizations, to enhance information sharing and joint operations. Collaborative efforts can provide valuable support in countering transnational threats.
· Accountability and discipline: Upholding accountability and discipline within the security forces is crucial for their effectiveness and public trust. The chiefs should enforce strict disciplinary measures for misconduct and human rights violations. By promoting a culture of accountability, they can ensure that security personnel operate within the confines of the law and respect the rights of citizens.
· Supporting socio-economic development: The chiefs should recognize the link between security and socio-economic development. They can collaborate with relevant government agencies to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. By supporting socio-economic initiatives, they can contribute to creating an environment that reduces the appeal of criminal activities.
· Public awareness and communication: Effective communication with the public is vital in addressing insecurity. The chiefs can establish regular channels of communication to provide updates on security efforts, seek public cooperation, and address concerns. Transparent communication will help to build public confidence, encourage citizen involvement, and create a sense of shared responsibility.
· Strengthening the justice system: Security chiefs can collaborate with the judiciary to ensure swift and fair trials for criminal suspects. This will instil confidence in the justice system and serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. Strengthening the justice system will also help in addressing impunity and ensuring that those responsible for security breaches face appropriate consequences.
· Empowering local security initiatives: They can support and empower local security initiatives, such as vigilante groups and community policing efforts. These groups can serve as a valuable source of intelligence and provide immediate response to security incidents in their communities. By partnering with and providing training to these groups, the chiefs can enhance the overall security architecture of the country.
· Developing a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy: The new chiefs can devise a comprehensive and long-term strategy to combat terrorism. This strategy should involve a combination of military operations, intelligence-driven actions, de-radicalization programs, and community engagement initiatives. By taking a holistic approach to counter-terrorism, the chiefs can address both the immediate threats and the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization.
· Promoting regional security cooperation: In addition to international collaboration, the new chiefs can prioritize security cooperation within the West African region. They can work closely with neighbouring countries and regional organizations to share intelligence, conduct joint operations, and establish mechanisms for addressing cross-border security challenges. Regional cooperation is crucial for effectively combating transnational crimes and terrorist activities.
· Investing in infrastructure and logistics: Adequate infrastructure and logistics support are essential for efficient security operations. The chiefs can advocate for increased investment in infrastructure, including communication systems, and barracks facilities. They can also ensure proper maintenance and regular supply of essential equipment and resources to security personnel deployed across the country.
· Continuous assessment and adaptation: Security threats are dynamic and constantly evolving. The new security chiefs should establish mechanisms for continuous assessment of security challenges and adapt their strategies accordingly. Regular evaluation of security operations, intelligence gathering processes, and response mechanisms will enable them to identify gaps and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal effectiveness.
· Promoting community-oriented policing: Community-oriented policing involves a proactive and collaborative approach between security forces and local communities. The new chiefs can encourage the implementation of community policing strategies, which emphasize building trust, engaging with communities, and involving citizens in the security process. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, leading to more effective crime prevention and response.
· Leveraging media and technology: The chiefs can harness the power of media and technology to enhance public awareness, disseminate security information, and engage with the public. They can establish stronger media relations, hold regular press briefings, and utilize social media platforms to communicate security updates, share success stories, and seek public support. Effective use of media and technology can help in mobilizing public cooperation and gaining valuable feedback from citizens.
· Supporting and prioritizing welfare programs for security personnel: The chiefs should prioritize the welfare of security personnel by providing adequate training, equipment, and healthcare services. Ensuring the well-being of the security forces not only boosts their morale but also enhances their performance and professionalism. It is important to address issues such as poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and timely provision of benefits to motivate security personnel and reduce instances of corruption.
· Political will and leadership: Ultimately, the success of the new chiefs in addressing security challenges and moving Nigeria forward relies on the political will and leadership of the government. Fortunately. President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated keen awareness of this factor.
The newly-appointed military and security service chiefs have a significant responsibility to address security challenges and promote stability in Nigeria. By implementing these strategies and approaches, they can help create an environment conducive to economic growth, attract foreign investment, and guarantee the safety of lives and property. Collaboration, professionalism, use of technology as well as other strategies and tactics in an environment of effective inter-agency collaboration and coordination count considerably.
