Nigeria’s Security Crisis: Military Assumes Police Duties Amid Rising Violence

A rising wave of violence in Nigeria has led to the military effectively assuming the duties of the police, according to security consultant Dr. Steve Okwori. In an interview on ARISE News, Okwori highlighted the growing concerns over terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, calling for more decisive action from the government and security agencies.

The situation has become increasingly dire, with daily incidents of violence reported across various states, including Kogi and its neighboring regions. Okwori stated, “It’s high time that we go beyond the reading of speeches when it has to do with security issues. We need to see the practical aspect of it.” His assessment points to a disconnect between official rhetoric and actionable measures taken to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.

Challenges Faced by the Police

Okwori asserted that terrorism is a global concern; however, he emphasized that Nigeria’s internal security crisis is exacerbated by rampant banditry and kidnapping for ransom. “Nigerians are kidnapped almost on a daily basis,” he noted, underscoring the public’s demand for more robust efforts from the government to combat these threats.

While he acknowledged some recent successes by security forces, particularly joint police-military operations in Kogi State, Okwori criticized the Nigeria Police Force for its delayed responses. He pointed out that the police, nearing its 96th anniversary since establishment in 1930, have yet to demonstrate the expected level of effectiveness in tackling crime. “These challenges are not new,” he stated, referencing issues of equipment, training, and motivation that have long plagued the force.

Okwori emphasized that the increasing reliance on the military for domestic security has blurred the lines of responsibility. He stated, “When it has to do with internal crime, it is the responsibility of the police.” This shift in roles became evident during significant incidents, such as the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi, where senior military officials were the first responders, undermining the authority of the police.

Calls for Enhanced Police Capability

In addressing the need for the police to reclaim their primary role in internal security, Okwori mentioned that the police possess capabilities that many Nigerians are unfamiliar with, such as an air wing. He called for more active interventions from the police, urging them to demonstrate their responsibilities as the leading agency in internal security.

On the broader regional front, Okwori expressed concern about the implications of terrorism in the Sahel region. His research highlighted that Nigeria, alongside Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ranks among the most affected nations globally in terms of extremist violence. He warned that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could jeopardize collective counter-terrorism efforts. He stressed the necessity for regional collaboration, stating, “Terrorism is not fought by one country.”

Additionally, Okwori pointed to the complexities of tracking terrorism financing as a major unresolved issue. He noted the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate funds, calling for specialized training to combat this challenge effectively.

He also questioned accountability regarding companies previously accused of financing terrorism, highlighting a lack of follow-up on such allegations. “What happened to those companies? We have not heard anything,” he remarked. Okwori concluded that without sustained action and improved intelligence capabilities, Nigeria’s security challenges will persist.

As Nigeria grapples with these profound issues, the urgency for a coordinated and effective response from both the government and security agencies has never been more pressing.