Enhancing Nigeria's Defence Intelligence for National Security - By Freelance Defence Consultant Wilson Babangida Agboti

 

Author: Wilson Babangida Agboti, ITD, MCITP, MCSD, MWCP, CISM, CFFI.

Abuja, Nigeria. Tel: +234 8033661044; E-mail: wbabs29@gmail.com

Published Date: Sept 28, 2024

Publication Outlet: Electronic Media and Print

Copyright: © 2024 BA Integrated Services. This is an open-access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited


About The Author

Wilson Babangida Agboti is a trained ICT Specialist with over 17 years of progressive experience in ICT, Branding, Security and Development. He is Civil Society Expert and a Defence/Development Consultant trained from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Conflict, Security and International Development. His vast experience is drawn from consulting for private and public sector and providing services to governments and international organizations such as MoD, USAID, UKAID, WaterAid, ECOWAS Mission to mention a few. Wilson is also an entrepreneur and a Lobbyist. He is an Ambassador for Youth and Development of the West African Youth Alliance (WAYA). Wilson is a Peace Ambassador of World Citizen Peace (WCP). He has an affiliate with the Royal institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), UK. Wilson is a Certified Intelligence and Security Manager (CISM) from ISO-SEC Switzerland. He holds an ISO-SEC Certification on Forensic and Fraud Investigation 2024.


Enhancing Nigeria's Defence Intelligence for National Security. 

Introduction

Nigeria has long battled numerous security challenges, ranging from terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping to insurgency and communal violence. While progress has been made, particularly in containing the activities of Boko Haram and reducing insurgent control over some regions, much still needs to be done to achieve a long-lasting solution. To effectively combat insecurity, it is essential for the Nigerian government to enhance the intellectual capacity of its Defence Intelligence for effective operations and cutting-edge national security strategies. This improvement will ensure a more proactive approach to countering the complex security threats faced by the country. The present administration must be commended for its continued efforts in curbing terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry across states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, Ogun, Anambra, and Kaduna. These initiatives, though impressive, must be supplemented by strengthening defence intelligence through rigorous training, strategic information sharing, and global best practices.

Security operatives, especially in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), need continuous education and exposure to modern techniques of intelligence gathering, data analytics, and threat management.

Nigeria’s fight Against Insecurity.

Nigeria's fight against insecurity has been supported by valuable data from the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker (NST). For example, between December 24 and 30, 2022, several incidents were recorded, including Boko Haram's killing of 17 people in Mafa, Borno, and bandit attacks across Kaduna, Kebbi, and Sokoto, resulting in mass abductions and deaths.

Notably, in Bauchi, bandits killed 20 people in Alkaleri, while an explosion in Kogi led to four deaths.

In May 2024, 10 persons were killed and at least 160 other villagers were kidnapped from a remote community in Kurchi, Nigeria's central Niger state, reported by BBC.

These alarming incidents underscore the need for better intelligence to pre-empt such violence, rather than reacting to it after it occurs.

Key Areas for Improvement.

One crucial area for improvement is leveraging the expertise of defense consultants. As a freelance Defence Consultant trained in Conflict, Security, and Development from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, my expertise lies in analyzing security issues, formulating strategies, and advising on defence reforms. Defence consultants like myself play a vital role in supporting government efforts and enhancing the capacity of national and regional defence forces. By collaborating with private experts, the Nigerian government can harness additional perspectives that can contribute to a more robust national security strategy.

What other Advanced Nations Are Doing.

Countries like the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom have demonstrated the effectiveness of a strong defence intelligence apparatus. For instance, the United States' Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to predict and prevent security threats. Similarly, Israel's intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet, have perfected information sharing and surveillance, which has enabled them to thwart numerous terrorist attacks. Nigeria and other African nations can emulate these countries by fostering intelligence-sharing frameworks, adopting technology-driven intelligence systems, and investing in human capital development.

Additionally, regional cooperation remains key to ensuring sustainable security. West Africa, with its porous borders, is vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities. Hence, Nigeria should lead the charge in championing initiatives that promote regional intelligence-sharing and coordinated security efforts through platforms such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigeria's security apparatus must evolve to meet the demands of a modern and complex security environment. By improving the intellectual and operational capacity of Defence Intelligence, collaborating with defense consultants, and adopting best practices from other nations, Nigeria can build a resilient and formidable defence system. This is not only vital for national security but also critical for fostering sustainable peace, stability, and development across the West African region.


Written by : Wilson Babangida Agboti

                   Defence/Development Consultant


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