NDLEA Chief Urges Coordinated Action To Improve National Security

The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has called for bridging fundamental gaps in intelligence sharing as a critical step to addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Marwa made the call on Thursday during the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 Interagency Seminar in Abuja, emphasising that threats such as insurgency in the North East, farmer-herder conflicts in the North West and North Central, secessionist agitations in the South East, and organised crimes—including drug trafficking—across the South South and South West require integrated responses.

“The notion of security as purely a military or law enforcement concern is no longer sufficient. There must be stronger operational synergy among the Police, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, Immigration, and Customs Services,” Marwa said.

He stressed the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, calling for seamless real-time intelligence sharing, cross-agency training, and scenario-based drills to enhance operational interoperability and build public trust.

In his lecture titled: “Bridging Intelligence Gaps Among Security Agencies for Enhanced National Security,” former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Retired Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, warned that gaps in intelligence among Nigeria’s security agencies remain a major vulnerability. He noted that these gaps often result in delayed warnings, fragmented situational awareness, and incomplete threat assessments exploited by insurgents, criminals, and other non-state actors.

Adebayo highlighted that intelligence goes beyond traditional agencies, extending to local communities, correctional facilities, and even the public. He said bridging these gaps is essential for protecting critical infrastructure and vulnerable communities, while strengthening operational effectiveness and public confidence.

The seminar, themed: “Enhancing Intelligence Sharing Across Nigeria’s Security Ecosystem: From Friction to Collaboration,” brought together 100 officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied forces from 10 African countries, alongside 43 participants from the Police, NDLEA, DSS, and other federal agencies.

Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, Commandant of AWCN, said the course equips participants with skills in inter-agency cooperation, strategic analysis, and national security management, aiming to foster actionable strategies for a safer Nigeria.