Nigeria Needs Better Security Leadership, Intelligence Fusion to Tackle Insecurity, Ex-U.S. Army Officer

Nigeria requires disciplined security leadership, intelligence fusion, a credible justice system, economic protection, and community trust to effectively combat its worsening insecurity, according to retired U.S. Army officer Col. Chukwuemeka Olumkwo. Speaking at the 6th Sam Momah Annual Lecture Series, Olumkwo, an Iraq War veteran, stressed that military force alone cannot solve the nation's complex security challenges.

“

Nigerian insecurity challenge cannot be solved by military forces alone. Nigeria requires disciplined security leadership, intelligence fusion, justice sector credibility, economic protection and community legitimacy.

Olumkwo described Nigeria's insecurity as a "criminological analysis" driven by political, social, economic, and institutional failures. He argued that a comprehensive approach is necessary to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. Drawing from his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, he noted that criminal networks thrive in environments marked by poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, and poor governance.

The retired colonel identified the kidnapping economy as a significant source of revenue for criminal elements, calling it a "shameful development." He highlighted banditry, jihadist insurgency, and cult violence as pressing issues. Olumkwo estimated that military influence accounts for only about seven percent of insecurity resolution, with political action contributing 43 percent and policing and intelligence 40 percent.

“

The subject is banditry consuming our communities, the jihadist insurgency that has infiltrated our communities, cult and religious violence in our universities and communities, and the kidnapping economy that is now generating more income for some people than the petroleum industry.

He urged political leaders to invest more in empowering youths and communities, stating that such measures would encourage public cooperation with security agencies. "If politicians use their funds to empower the youths and communities, the government will get cooperation in the fight against insecurity and the system will change," he said. Olumkwo warned that weak prosecution of criminal cases contributes to the persistence of insecurity, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, millions of internally displaced persons, and significant economic losses.

“

If politicians use their funds to empower the youths and communities, the government will get cooperation in the fight against insecurity and the system will change.