Now is the opportune moment to overhaul Nigeria’s national security architecture. Initially established by colonial powers, this structure fails to adequately represent Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, leaving vulnerabilities that breed insecurity. The persistent prevalence of high crime rates and porous areas ripe for criminal activity underscores the urgent need for reform.
To effectively safeguard Nigeria’s populace, a comprehensive approach to policing is imperative. This necessitates thorough research into various policing methodologies, including community policing, intelligence-led strategies, and traditional methods.
A critical flaw in Nigeria’s security apparatus lies in its centralised policing model, wherein the federal government oversees all law enforcement, even resorting to military intervention for routine policing tasks. Contrary to this, advanced nations like Canada boast decentralised systems with state-provincial, and federal police forces. State police, composed of local residents intimately familiar with their communities, ensure tailored and culturally attuned law enforcement. Meanwhile, federal forces handle specialised tasks and support regions with limited resources.
Consider the absurdity of deploying an Ijaw officer, unfamiliar with Hausa or Fula languages and Sokoto’s cultural nuances, to police Sokoto and vice versa. If immediate adoption of state policing isn’t feasible, regional collaborations among states sharing common values and interests offer a viable interim solution. These regional police forces, devoid of gubernatorial influence, can be financed collectively by contributing states, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
While Nigeria has made strides in leveraging technology to combat cybercrime and other crime related activities, a comprehensive overhaul of the police force is imperative by enhancing governance of Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and AI-driven intelligence is crucial as society becomes increasingly reliant on technology. A centralised, computerised database integrating crime data from various agencies facilitates seamless information sharing and collaboration among law enforcement, military, and immigration authorities.
Furthermore, prioritising the welfare of Nigerian police officers is paramount. Adequate compensation, access to quality healthcare, education, and housing are essential to bolster morale and efficacy.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent modernization to effectively combat emerging threats and foster national development. Through decentralized policing, technological advancements, and prioritizing officer welfare, Nigeria can forge a safer, more resilient future for all its citizens.
*Taiwo T. Adetiloye is a National Security & Political Science Expert