Reigniting Hope: Task ahead for new security chiefs and imperative of enhanced intelligence gathering

Dr Yusuf Aliu

The appointment of Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) marks a critical juncture in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to entrust these seasoned professionals with the leadership of the nation’s foremost intelligence agencies reflects the urgent need for a more dynamic and coordinated approach to tackling the country’s multifaceted security challenges.

In his charge to the new security chiefs, President Tinubu emphasised the necessity of repositioning the NIA and DSS for better results.

He underscored the importance of their experience and expertise in fostering enhanced collaboration among sister agencies and aligning their operations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The President’s directive is clear: Nigeria’s security apparatus must evolve to effectively address the hydra-headed problems of banditry, terrorism, farmers-herders clashes, kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of criminality.

*The imperative of intelligence gathering

The quality of intelligence gathering is at the heart of any successful security operation. The ability to anticipate, detect, and respond to threats before they materialise is crucial to maintaining national security. In this regard, the new heads of the NIA and DSS face the daunting task of revitalising the intelligence community and ensuring that intelligence operations are timely and actionable.

Intelligence gathering in Nigeria has often been hampered by inter-agency rivalry, lack of trust, and poor coordination. These issues have weakened the country’s ability to respond effectively to security threats and eroded public confidence in intelligence agencies.

For Mohammed and Ajayi, overcoming these challenges will require a comprehensive overhaul of the intelligence framework, focusing on fostering greater cooperation and information sharing among all security agencies, including the military, police, and civil defence forces.

Moreover, there is a need to invest in modern intelligence-gathering tools and technologies. In an era where criminals and terrorists are increasingly leveraging sophisticated technologies to plan and execute their operations, Nigeria’s intelligence agencies cannot afford to lag. Deploying advanced surveillance systems, cyber intelligence, and data analytics will be critical in identifying and neutralizing threats in real time.

*Regional security challenges

Nigeria’s security challenges are as diverse as its regions. Each geopolitical zone faces unique threats that require tailored intelligence and security responses. Therefore, the new security chiefs must adopt a region-specific intelligence gathering and threat management approach.

In the North-West and North-East, insurgency and banditry have continued to escalate, with devastating consequences for food security and the livelihoods of millions. The rise in these violent activities has forced many farmers to abandon their farms, leading to widespread hunger and economic instability. To address this, the NIA and DSS must work closely with local communities to gather actionable intelligence on the movements and activities of insurgents and bandits.

In the North-Central region, the persistent farmers-herders clashes remain a primary source of insecurity. These clashes have not only resulted in countless deaths and the displacement of communities but have also hindered economic growth and development.

The new security chiefs must prioritize collecting intelligence that sheds light on the root causes of these conflicts, such as competition over land and resources. Additionally, they must explore the use of mediation and dialogue as tools for conflict resolution while enhancing the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly to outbreaks of violence.

The South-South region is grappling with the scourge of oil theft, a criminal enterprise that has become an epidemic and a significant drain on the nation’s revenue. Despite numerous efforts to combat this menace, oil theft continues to thrive, driven by a complex network of criminal syndicates.

With its focus on external intelligence, the NIA must enhance its collaboration with international partners to track and disrupt global networks that facilitate oil theft. Simultaneously, the DSS should intensify its efforts to identify and dismantle the domestic elements of these syndicates.

In the South-West, the rising tide of kidnapping and armed robbery is a stark reminder of the fragility of the region’s security. What was once a relatively peaceful zone has now become a hotbed of criminal activity, with even city centres falling prey to violent attacks. To combat this trend, the new security chiefs must prioritise urban intelligence gathering, focusing on identifying criminal gangs and their operational bases.

The South-East presents a particularly complex security situation, characterized by a mix of home-grown insurgency and criminality. The activities of unknown gunmen and the prevalence of kidnappings have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with many citizens feeling abandoned by the government. In this context, the new heads of the NIA and DSS must work to restore public confidence by demonstrating a strong and proactive approach to intelligence gathering and threat neutralisation.

*The role of inter-agency cooperation

Inter-agency cooperation is one of the most critical factors in the success of intelligence operations. In the past, Nigeria’s security agencies have often operated in silos, with little coordination or information sharing. This has led to duplicated efforts and wasted resources, allowing security threats to go unaddressed.

Under Mohammed and Ajayi’s leadership, there is an urgent need to break down these barriers and foster a culture of collaboration among all security agencies. This could be achieved by establishing joint intelligence task forces, where representatives from the NIA, DSS, military, police, and other relevant agencies work together to analyse intelligence and coordinate responses.

Additionally, regular inter-agency meetings and intelligence-sharing platforms should be institutionalised to ensure that all agencies are on the same page regarding security operations.

Furthermore, the Office of the National Security Adviser’s (ONSA) role in coordinating intelligence efforts must be balanced.

*Conclusion

Mohammed and Ajayi’s task ahead is monumental but possible. With the right strategies, tools, and cooperation, they can significantly improve Nigeria’s security landscape.

However, success will ultimately depend on their ability to galvanize the intelligence community and foster collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries.

Nigerians are looking to the new security chiefs with renewed hope, trusting that their expertise and leadership will usher in a new era of peace and security. It is now up to Mohammed and Ajayi to rise to the challenge and deliver the results the nation desperately needs.

*Yusuf Aliu, PhD, (CMGR, FCMI) writes in from France via: [email protected]