Tanwa Ashiru is a veteran officer of the US Air Force with more than 14 years of experience in Intelligence Analysis, attached to the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and the US National Security Agency (NSA). She served in Afghanistan for 180 days and was involved in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Southwest Asia, Middle East and Africa. She shared with INNOCENT DURU her experience in the US military and the pains she feels each time she hears about troops in war theaters in Nigeria not getting paid or denied the proper equipment. Excerpts:
What can you tell us about your background?
I grew up in Lagos and went to secondary school in Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos. My father was a civil servant and he worked in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. My mother is a retired advertising executive. As a child, I always enjoyed going with her to the office. I got to see how commercials were shot and especially enjoyed it when they were food seasoning products, because we got to eat all the food and desserts afterwards. So I was pretty privileged to watch my mother grow through the ranks and navigate a tough male dominated industry successfully, which has really formed my approach to business and outlook in life.
At what point did you travel out of the country and what informed your decision to join the Air Force in the US and not here in Nigeria?
After secondary school, I traveled to attend university, but I ended up joining the military because they had great education benefits among others. So I served for six and a half years, and the Air Force paid for my whole education. And I am still enjoying that benefit, even as a veteran.
What was the reaction of your parents when you told them about joining the Air Force?
I have two older brothers who were also serving in the US military. So when I mentioned joining as well, my parents took the news calmly. I remember my mother calling me to make sure it was what I wanted to do. She felt the need to let me know that it was not mandatory. But I told her I was happy with the choice.
Did you face any challenge getting the job and what was your experience serving in Afghanistan?
Boot camp and technical training school went very well. I got a job in the intelligence field and enjoyed learning and growing in the community. After service, I took a defence contracting job which required me to travel to Afghanistan for six months; which was a unique experience. I worked directly with the U.S Marines Intelligence Unit, focusing on Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) activities. At the time, CIEDs were the primary cause of fatalities of Coalition Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. So there was an agency dedicated to tackling that problem in what was termed “defeat the device”.
In terms of welfare and wellbeing, troops deployed to these war theaters were well taken care of. They were paid extra for being in a war zone. The meals were hot and delicious. There was water and hot showers. See, these things are very important in boosting the morale in conflict environments. That is why I’m often sad anytime I hear about troops in war theaters not getting paid or not getting the proper equipment. It is quite unfortunate.
Any near-death experience in the course of doing all this?
I understand my experience was completely different from those of others who had to go into town (what we referred to as outside the wire) and were involved in direct combat. As an intel (intelligence) analyst, I got to read about several IED attacks and their dreadful impact on the troops. Many left and never came back. Every day that I woke up and was able to take a deep breath, I remembered to be grateful for life and recognise those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Tell us your unforgettable experience as a military officer in the US or Afghanistan.
There are so many unforgettable experiences, and boot camp training was certainly one of them. I remember waking up the morning after arriving and thinking within myself if I had made the right decision. Drill instructors had six weeks to break you down and build you back up. You got shouted at frequently and put through grueling physical training. We were given little time to sleep and were expected to stay alert and awake throughout the day. But I will never forget the physical and mental transformation afterwards; the feeling of being pushed completely outside your comfort zone and surviving. Today, anytime I’m facing a daunting task or situation, I remind myself that I can overcome adversity.
At what point did you quit and why?
Once my six-and-a-half-year tenure was over, I had the option to re-enlist for an additional four years until completing a 20-year career or taking an honorable separation from the military. So I chose to separate and start life as a civilian, graduate and veteran.
What else would you be if you were not in the military?
Well, after I moved back to Nigeria, I tried to go into advertising like my mother, but I soon learned that my military mindset had been formed. I had issues with the lack of discipline and order that many creatives showcase. So after my NYSC service at the agency, I left and went back into the security and defence industry.
I am also actively honing skills in the tech industry including cyber security and other roles within the software development lifecycle. I believe we must always stay learning and growing. You cannot go wrong with learning a new skill, especially in booming industries such as cyber, tech and healthcare.
Since when have you been in Nigeria and what have you been doing?
I founded a company called Bulwark Intelligence Solutions. Today, our organisation provides enterprise security risk management services to both private and public sector clients. These risk management services range from risk assessments and advisory, intelligence reports, investigations and trainings to defence, intelligence, and security consultation.
The services we provide give much needed support to many security managers and chief security officers. We equip them with the necessary information, knowledge and tools that they need to effectively perform their duties as the risk managers of their organisations. What is your take on the challenges of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities in the country?
It’s a reflection of bad leadership across all strata of the society. Unfortunately, our institutions are not doing what they are supposed to do. The education system is in a shambles and there are many out-of-school children. Gangs, drugs and crime eventually become an option for them to make a living. The legal system is struggling. Crimes and criminals go unpunished time and time again. This causes people to take the law into their own hands.
The security sector is not effective. The current structure that concentrates security response in the centre is not efficient for the diverse and burgeoning population in the country. All these things are drivers of security that our leaders and lawmakers have refused to tackle. The result of this head-in-the-sand strategy is what is manifesting as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and so on.
The bottom line is that there is one thing that needs to be done, and that is implementing the many solutions that have already been proffered to resolve these problems. We need leaders who are not afraid to make difficult decisions that will steer this country in the right direction.
Are there solutions to the challenges of oil theft affecting our economy?
Like the saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun. There are solutions to every problem that is plaguing our nation. A challenge like oil theft has several drivers that keep it going. Everything from the conditions of the local citizens and the environment where they live to the corruption and poor accountability of those who are supposed to tackle the problems from the government side.
As a security person, do you socialise?
I think socialising has more to do with one’s personality than their career. I am both an introvert and extrovert. It means, I prefer staying indoors, but when I do go out, I have a good time, although nowadays, I’m perfectly happy just spending quality time with my loved ones.
What military assignment gave you the most joy or fear?
For me, it was always when I had to do something out of my comfort zone. I remember when I got selected to attend Airman Leadership School. I was there with some of the best and brightest. I just took the time to really enjoy the experience, while pushing myself as much as I could with my presentation, fitness, and academics. I didn’t realise others had been taking note of my efforts as well. At the end of the training, I was given an award as a distinguished graduate. My commander was there to witness it and was extremely proud that we brought the award to our unit. Again, when I am facing moments of worry or inadequacy, I always remind myself about the little victories I’ve experienced.
What security measures should the country put in place as the 2023 elections draw closer?
I believe the key things to keep in mind as we enter the 2023 elections are first, ensuring we are preparing for any potential uncertainties and disruptions. We must also plan our response to threats, as well as our recovery from election threats.
Would you like your children to toe your path?
To be honest, I would. I really believe young adults should serve in the military. It instills discipline from a young age, and could set one up for an adventurous life. However, I’ve agreed to allow them make that choice for themselves.
Tell us about women in security business: the chal lenges, pains, gains and so on.
Nigeria is still very much a patriarchal society which believes that the traditional roles for women are to be in the home, supporting their spouse and caring for their children. But as the security landscape has evolved, adversaries are increasing their use of females in furthering their interests or at the very least, supporting the community where the men perpetrating crimes reside.
While adversarial elements have increased their use of women, government security forces have also encouraged more female recruits into their ranks. However, many of them still serve in administrative and secretarial positions, in a world where adversaries are using women in direct action operations. The Nigerian government can strengthen its strategy in actively involving women in national security. Women are naturally adept at multi-tasking. It appears nature made it this way to enable effective management of multiple offspring. In addition, the innate instinct to ruthlessly protect their young brings out a level of emotional obsession, passion and dedication that allows women see risks differently and over longer term. Women are happy to channel this level of passion towards national security if it provides results which secure the protection of their children.
More and more women have begun entering the global security industry in recent years, and many of these women are being promoted to senior-level positions and are emerging as thought leaders, experts and specialists, which is shifting the balance of power. The fact that the security industry is moving from commodity-based sales to a technology-centric business has allowed for increased diversity and increased participation of women in the workforce.
Even with the many opportunities for women in security, we remain underrepresented compared to our male counterparts. However, several industry groups, such as the ASIS International Women in Security (WIS) Council, have been created to offer community, education, and networking opportunities for women. We have our annual Lagos WIS Conference coming up on the 3rd November 2022. We are bringing together top management and executive level security industry women. We encourage those interested in the field to register and hear more from the amazing group of women on how to succeed in security.
There are so many facets in the security industry, ranging from national security, defence and military, intelligence, academia, cyber and private sector enterprise security risk management, among others. I encourage women who are interested in the field to learn more about the various options and go with the ones that interest them and align with their values.
The industry and society as a whole still have a long way to go in showing their willingness to accept the voices, opinions and expertise of women. In the meantime, women in security groups will keep doing their part in showing women the various facets of the security industry that are available to them, training them on those skills, building their confidence and encouraging increased participation.
