“If you don’t separate yourself from distractions, your distractions will separate you from your goals”. The above saying aptly captures the dilemma of the Nigerian government whose “primary purpose”, according to section 14(20(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is “the security and welfare of the people…”.
In his 80-page document, Renewed Hope 2023: Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, which can be considered his government’s working document, and in his inaugural address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasised the urgent need that, under his leadership, Nigeria is safe again.
National security, as “the foundation of a prosperous and democratic society,” occupies the first five pages of the document’s first chapter. The new administration pledges to “mobilise the full extent of our national security, military and law enforcement resources to protect all Nigerians.
Needless to say, Nigeria has been severely challenged security-wise in the last decade and half. Hence, it is safe to say President Tinubu and his National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, inherited a very bad security situation. This, they have resolved to tackle headlong as part of the fulfilment of their campaign promises.
Since aasuming office on May 29, the President and the NSA have thrown everything to the works to ensure quick wins. However, the recent abduction of students at Kaya Junior Secondary School in Maradun local government area of Zamfara State is a huge setback. But the duo are determined to turn the heat against these enemies of Nigeria.
The security situation is like taking one step forward and taking 20 backwards. This is certainly the handiwork of mischief makers and undesirable elements who are bent on tarnishing the efforts of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Government.
Against this backdrop, at the prompting of the NSA, the Army has launched a bold bid to pursue these terrorists into their holes and hiding. This operation is expected to last until this issue of insecurity is dealt with once and for all.
Security agencies must redouble their efforts because Nigeria is one of the world’s most heavily armed countries, with a large number of small arms and light weapons in circulation. This makes it difficult for the security forces to control crime and violence.
In addittion is the rise of non-state actors and armed groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and armed bandits. These groups are well-armed and motivated, and they have been able to carry out attacks in different parts of the country.
To get it right, the corruption concerns in the Nigerian security sector, which has resulted in inefficiency, must be checked because it has made it difficult for the security forces to respond effectively to security threats.
For the cynics, I have this for you: It is too early to say whether the Tinubu administration will be successful in tackling insecurity. However, what is clear is that the steps the administration has taken so far are encouraging. The new Service Chiefs are experienced and well-respected, and the new national security strategy is comprehensive and well thought-out. If the administration is able to implement its security strategy effectively, it could make a significant difference in the fight against insecurity.
There is a silver lining. There is light at the end of the tunnel because I’m confident that the appointment of the former chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Ribadu, described by security experts as a square peg in square hole, will breathe new vitality into the fight against insecurity.
In addition to the steps listed above, President Tinubu and NSA Ribadu could also consider improved welfare of security personnel. This would help to boost morale and reduce corruption. Also, strengthening cooperation between the security forces and other stakeholders such as the judiciary and civil society organizations would help to create a more holistic approach to security.
They must address the root causes of insecurity such as poverty and unemployment. This would require long-term investment in education, healthcare, and other social services.
It is important to note that tackling insecurity is a complex and challenging task. It will require a sustained effort from the government, the security forces and the Nigerian people. However, if the Tinubu administration is able to implement its security strategy effectively and address the root causes of insecurity, it could make a significant difference in the fight against insecurity.
To maintain peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of Nigerians, the NSA should investigate the records of most disputes situations and method of adjusting conflicts such as religious disturbances and other corruption causes.
It is high time the Renewed Hope Agenda perfected this discipline, drew information from a variety of overt and covert sources to provide intelligence needed to support the law enforcement operations, contingency planning, defence policies and procurement decisions.
There is an Act that also gives the office of the NSA the mandate to ensure the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive counter terrorism strategy and build capacity for the effective discharge of the functions of relevant security, intelligence law and enforcement and military service.
As I conclude, let me emphasise that only the active coordination and effective inter-agency collaboration will go a long way in enhancing intelligence sharing to fish out those sabotaging the nation’s progress. For instance, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in the United States, it was discovered that rivalry between FBI and CIA hampered information sharing.
The good news is that President Tinubu and NSA Ribadu have the potential of freeing Nigerians from danger and security threats by providing maximum security against saboteurs of Nigeria.
Our intelligence and state security services are doing well but the president needs to arm them with model intrusive surveillance equipment, such that would assist them deploy eavesdropping devices and intelligence interference such as covertly accessing devices for both internal security and our boarders.
Another solution to insecurity in Nigeria is to enhance intelligence services. This can be done by investing in the training and equipment of law enforcement officials such as the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
As can be observed already, the NSA is beginning to get a direction after meeting with some foreign spy masters. No country can make the desired progress when its spy masters, both serving and retired, remain silent.
An emergency meeting should be convened of all the ECOWAS National Security Advisers, retired Nigerian police chiefs, retired military chiefs, forensic intelligence experts, and retired intelligence spy masters by President Tinubu to quash the incessant attacks in both the sea and on land to come up with a unified communications strategic intelligence codes on how to nail those behind the security challenges.
Also, traditional rulers and religious leaders should be taken into consideration after studying their psychological opinions about security. Let’s not forget that many of the royal fathers in the country are retired detectives whose expertise and wealth of experience can be useful in the fight against insecurity.
Nigerians have demonstrated resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including political instability, economic hardship and other social issues. Their consciousness is however characterised by the spirit of endurance, adaptability and hope, as the people strive to overcome obstacles and improve their lives. By the power of the Almighty God and His Grace, President Tinubu and the NSA shall overcome the present security situation.
Ibrahim is director, Communications and Strategic Planning, Presidential Support Committee.
