NSCDC Commandant Blames Interagency Rivalry for Nigeria's Insecurity

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Interagency rivalry and the failure of security institutions to collaborate effectively are weakening Nigeria’s ability to respond to insecurity, warned Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the Federal Capital Territory Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Odumosu made the remarks yesterday in Abuja at the launch of his book, Nigeria’s Security Dilemma: Rivalries and Implications, Vol. 1. Security experts and government officials present urged greater synergy among agencies to confront the country’s growing security challenges.

The NSCDC commandant argued that no single security organisation has the capacity or expertise to tackle the multifaceted threats facing Nigeria, insisting that a fragmented approach has only emboldened criminal elements.

“No one agency has it all. There is a need for a united front because security is not what one agency can do. No one has a monopoly of wisdom,” he said.

Odumosu identified institutional rivalries, competition for relevance and a lack of coordinated action as major obstacles to a robust national security architecture.

Echoing these concerns, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, said national security must rise above institutional ego and political affiliations.

“When it comes to security, there is no PDP, no APC. We need to understand that,” he said.

The former Edo State governor called for mandatory intelligence sharing among security agencies, stressing that intelligence gathering is ineffective unless it is acted upon through coordinated operations.

He urged closer collaboration between the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police and the military, arguing that integrated intelligence and operational support are critical to dismantling criminal networks.

Drawing on his experience as governor, Oshiomhole recalled how intelligence‑led operations backed by military firepower had led to the arrest of numerous kidnappers and criminal suspects.

The senator also noted that some successful operations ended in frustration when suspects were discharged or granted bail despite the efforts invested in apprehending them.

Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd), the Minister of Defence, acknowledged the challenges posed by interagency competition and disclosed that efforts were already underway to improve collaboration across the nation’s security institutions.

“The stability of Nigeria is more important than the ego of any agency,” he said.

Deputy Commandant General of NSCDC in charge of Technical Services, Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, speaking on behalf of Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Audi, described insecurity as a global phenomenon that has impacted every sphere of human endeavour and said the book’s focus on security cooperation could not have come at a more appropriate time.

The event was attended by senior security officials and policymakers, including the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police.

The book was formally launched by Hon. Tayo Odumuyiwa, who supported the publication with a donation of N20 million, underscoring growing recognition of the need for fresh thinking and stronger cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security crisis.