In recent weeks, the global media has been focused on Israel’s military operations against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. In response to the ongoing conflict, Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel, though Israeli air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, intercepted many of these threats.
However, while Israel seems to have a robust defense strategy, Nigeria’s approach to security appears to be inadequate. Despite having various security agencies, including the Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force, Nigeria is still grappling with severe insecurity issues. From armed militia and bandits to kidnappers, the nation faces a multifaceted security crisis that has resulted in thousands of deaths, devastated farming activities, and created widespread famine.
The Nigerian political class has failed to address these issues effectively, often resorting to rhetoric without meaningful action. Unlike Israel, where politicians unite against threats to national security and empower the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Nigeria’s leaders often confuse national security with regime security, focusing on suppressing dissent rather than tackling the root causes of insecurity.
Recent events illustrate this disconnect. The Department of State Services (DSS) has focused on suppressing protests and detaining labor leaders rather than addressing the escalating violence and insecurity faced by citizens. The security agencies appear to prioritize regime stability over the safety of the populace, resulting in a confused approach to critical national issues.
There are calls for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. The country has vast ungoverned spaces that have long been breeding grounds for criminal activity, and the deepening insecurity seen since 2015 demands serious attention. The challenges faced by farmers due to attacks from armed groups highlight the urgent need for security agencies to take food insecurity seriously as a national threat.
To effectively address these challenges, the uniformed services need better equipment, improved pay, and enhanced welfare. The current ratio of security personnel to the population is alarming; with approximately 371,000 officers to oversee a landmass of nearly 923,777 square kilometers and a population of 200 million, the country is critically under-resourced.
Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized the need for an additional 190,000 officers to ensure adequate security, but it remains to be seen if the political leadership will act on this recommendation.
In conclusion, security in Nigeria is a pressing issue that requires serious commitment and action from both the government and the citizens. It is time to prioritize national security, invest in effective measures, and respond to the realities on the ground with the urgency they deserve.
