A former security service official, Mike Ejiofor, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s capacity to confront rising security threats, saying the country lacks sufficient personnel to effectively respond to challenges such as mass kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across several regions.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Ejiofor said Nigeria’s security forces are overstretched, noting that the shortage of personnel has made it difficult to adequately secure vulnerable communities, especially in areas facing frequent attacks.
Ejiofor explained that the Federal Government is aware of the manpower gap and has taken steps to address it, including directives to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to active duty. He also referenced ongoing plans to recruit about 40,000 new police officers and deploy forest guards under the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, these measures, while necessary, will not yield immediate results due to the time required for recruitment and training. He noted that even under accelerated programmes, security personnel require several months of training before they can be effectively deployed.
Ejiofor added that despite the constraints, the military and other security agencies have continued to collaborate to contain threats, stressing that recent waves of mass kidnappings may be linked to criminal groups attempting to assert their continued presence.
He also addressed concerns surrounding international involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs, clarifying that collaboration with the United States is focused on protecting Nigerians as a whole, rather than favouring any particular religious or ethnic group.
On intelligence gathering and response, Ejiofor acknowledged that while actionable intelligence is sometimes provided, security agencies often face logistical and terrain-related challenges that hinder rapid intervention. He noted that bandits’ mobility, particularly their use of motorcycles and familiarity with difficult terrains, puts security forces at a disadvantage.
The former security official further advocated for stronger community participation in security efforts, stressing the importance of cooperation between citizens and security agencies. He called for the formalisation of vigilante groups and renewed support for state policing, arguing that locally grounded security structures would enhance intelligence sharing and response time.
Ejiofor observed that inter-agency rivalry, which once hampered operations, has reduced significantly, giving way to improved coordination among the military, police, and intelligence services. He described this growing synergy as a positive development, though he admitted that significant challenges remain.
He also highlighted funding and equipment shortages as major obstacles, noting that many security tools are expensive, not readily available, and require long procurement timelines. According to him, local production of equipment, including drones, holds promise but must be carefully tested to ensure effectiveness.
Ejiofor concluded that Nigeria’s security challenges require tailored, locally driven solutions supported by adequate manpower, funding, and technology. He stressed that while progress is being made, addressing the shortage of boots on ground remains critical to restoring public confidence and ensuring long-term security across the country.
Triumph Ojo
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