Security Expert Steve Okwori Advocates for Intelligence-Led Strategy to Combat Nigeria's Insecurity

Security consultant, analyst, and public affairs commentator Steve Okwori has issued a stark warning, stating that Nigeria is gradually losing its grip on security. He urged a strategic pivot from the current reactive security operations towards a proactive, intelligence-led prevention strategy to effectively counter escalating violence and attacks nationwide.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Okwori observed the rising indices and frequency of security incidents, concluding that Nigeria is indeed experiencing a decline in its security landscape. He emphasized the necessity of a decisive shift towards a preventative model rather than merely responding to incidents after they occur.

"I think that it’s time for us to see how to shift decisively from a reactive force operation to a proactive, intelligence-led prevention strategy", he stated. He further elaborated on the need to confront criminal elements directly, questioning the adequacy of equipment, the effective use of technology, and the extent of community engagement, including the implementation of community policing initiatives.

Okwori pointed out that the government, security agencies, and citizens all have roles to play, but expressed concern that the current efforts are insufficient. He believes that criminals are exploiting existing security vulnerabilities due to a perceived lack of effective action.

The expert further explained that the absence of actionable intelligence and insufficient coordination among various security agencies will continue to allow criminal elements to exploit Nigeria's security system. He highlighted that motivated offenders capitalize on the lack of capable guardianship, such as visible police or military presence, enabling them to target victims.

"It’s failure of intelligence, whether we like it or not. Because without detailed actionable intelligence, we cannot get these things to work," Okwori asserted, also questioning the synergy between different military branches, like the Army and Air Force, in providing necessary support.

Drawing attention to the ongoing training provided by U.S. troops aimed at enhancing intelligence and technological capabilities, Okwori stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria's security strategy. He noted that such international partnerships are crucial for improving surveillance and tracking criminal movements.

"We need to look at it holistically. You see, the government and our security agencies need to go back to the drawing board. We have U.S. troops that are already here. The essence of the U.S. troops is to train our officers in the area of intelligence and all that and be able to see how to use technology to monitor the movement of these bandits, these criminal elements."

He underscored the importance of action over mere pronouncements, especially with the President engaging in international discussions on security during foreign trips. "Time is of essence. Mr. President is in the UK today; I know that part of his trip is to discuss security. Some couple of weeks ago, he was in Turkey. So, we need all of this. I think it’s time for us to see that we don’t talk about—we don’t need speeches in security events. We need action", he pressed.

Okwori also highlighted a concerning trend where Nigeria frequently negotiates hostage releases rather than conducting rescue operations, which he believes emboldens kidnappers.

"Unfortunately for us here, we don’t embark on rescue missions when it has to do with kidnapping. What we do is to see how to negotiate with these criminal elements and get these victims released."

He further revealed that ransom payments are a common practice, despite official denials, and noted suspicious arrangements for released victims, pointing to significant gaps in the nation's security apparatus.

"Government may deny, but I know that government usually use backchannels. Ransom is not deniable. People pay ransom", he stated.

Okwori concluded by reminding the government of its most fundamental obligation: the protection of lives and property.

"We need to remind the government: the primary responsibility of government is to save lives and secure property", he emphasized.