President Bola Tinubu has appointed new heads for the country’s key intelligence agencies. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed now leads the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), while Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi takes over the helm at the Department of State Services (DSS).
These appointments come at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history as the nation grapples with multifaceted security challenges that demand a robust and coordinated intelligence response.
In our view, the significance of these appointments cannot be overstated. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy faces a complex web of security threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, illegal mining, and farmer-herder crises. Also in the mix are separatist movements in the southeast and widespread kidnappings across the country.
These challenges have not only undermined national security but have also hindered economic growth and social development.
The new intelligence chiefs bring with them a wealth of experience. Ambassador Mohammed’s extensive career in foreign service, including his roles in various international postings, positions him well to lead the NIA in gathering and analysing external intelligence crucial to Nigeria’s interests.
Similarly, Ajayi’s rise through the ranks of the DSS, coupled with his experience as state director in multiple regions, provides him with a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s internal security dynamics.
First, the new intelligence chiefs must address the longstanding issue of inter-agency cooperation. Our intelligence agencies have operated in isolation for too long, jealously guarding information instead of sharing it for the greater good. This lack of synergy has been a significant Achilles’ heel in our fight against insecurity.
The Western world, despite its own internal rivalries, has demonstrated the power of intelligence sharing in combating common threats. Our agencies must learn from this model. The new intelligence chiefs must prioritise breaking down these institutional barriers and fostering a culture of collaboration.
Ambassador Mohammed and Ajayi should prioritise the creation of robust mechanisms for information sharing and joint operations among the security agencies. This could involve regular inter-agency meetings, shared databases, and joint training exercises. By fostering a culture of collaboration, they can ensure that vital intelligence does not fall through the cracks due to bureaucratic rivalries or institutional ego.
Moreover, there is an urgent need to modernise our intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities. In an age where threats evolve rapidly and often originate in the digital realm, our agencies must be equipped with cutting-edge technology and skills. This includes investing in advanced surveillance systems, cyber intelligence capabilities, and data analytics tools. The new chiefs should push for increased funding and resources to bridge any technological gaps that may exist.
The new leadership must also focus on recruiting and training a new generation of intelligence officers who are not only technologically savvy but also deeply understand the socio-cultural dynamics of the regions they operate in.
Furthermore, the intelligence agencies must work on rebuilding public trust. Over the years, perceptions of politicisation and abuse of power have eroded public confidence in these institutions. The new directors have an opportunity to change this narrative by ensuring transparency (within the bounds of national security), respecting human rights, and demonstrating an unequivocal commitment to the nation’s interests above all else.
It is also imperative that the NIA and DSS strengthen their relationships with their international counterparts. Global terrorism and transnational crime networks do not respect borders, and neither should our intelligence efforts. By fostering closer ties with foreign intelligence agencies, we can tap into a wider pool of information and resources to combat shared threats.
However, as we look to these new appointments with hope, we must also maintain a sense of realism. The challenges facing our intelligence agencies are deeply rooted and systemic. They cannot be solved overnight or by individual efforts alone. It will require sustained political will from the highest levels of government, adequate funding, and support from all sectors of society.
President Tinubu’s directive to the new security chiefs to reposition the agencies for better results is a step in the right direction. However, this must be backed by concrete actions, including legislative reforms if necessary, to empower these agencies while ensuring proper oversight.
As we embark on this new chapter in our intelligence landscape, it is crucial that we, as a nation, rally behind these efforts. National security is not solely the responsibility of intelligence agencies; it requires the vigilance and cooperation of every citizen.
Consequently, the appointment of the new leadership for the NIA and DSS presents a golden opportunity to address longstanding issues in our intelligence framework. Ambassador Mohammed and Ajayi carry with them the hope of a nation yearning for peace and security. Their success will be measured not just by the absence of security breaches but by the creation of a robust, efficient, and trustworthy intelligence apparatus that serves as the bedrock of Nigeria’s national security strategy.
As these new leaders take the helm, they must remember that the security and prosperity of over 200 million Nigerians rest, in no small part, on the effectiveness of the institutions they now lead. The nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a new dawn in our intelligence operations.
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