The Federal Government has revealed fresh measures it is adopting to tackle insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria. Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, spoke about the plans during a panel discussion on The Link Up Podcast, published on Friday.
He explained that the government is increasing the number of security personnel, strengthening intelligence operations and introducing more technology to improve security across the country.
Bwala said the government believes the current number of security personnel is not enough for Nigeria’s population and large land area. As a result, more officers are being recruited and trained to improve the country’s security capacity. He said some of the new recruits will serve as forest guards to stop terrorists and criminal groups from using forests as hideouts and illegal mining sites. He also disclosed that the police, military, Department of State Services and marine security units are being expanded to improve their operations.
According to him, the government is also working with paramilitary agencies while some private security companies have been licensed to provide additional support where necessary. He added that security arrangements around important public officials are being reviewed, noting that police officers attached to some VIPs have been withdrawn as part of ongoing reforms.
Bwala also said the government is investing in modern security equipment, including drones and interception systems, to improve surveillance and help security agencies monitor activities around the clock. He explained that technology would make it easier for security agencies to detect threats and respond more quickly.
On international cooperation, Bwala said Nigeria is working closely with neighbouring Sahel countries to tackle terrorism. He added that the country has also expanded military cooperation with the United States, with special forces already completing some operations while other personnel continue to train Nigerian security operatives. He said details of the training remain confidential because of security concerns.
The presidential aide explained that security agencies rely heavily on intelligence gathering before carrying out operations. He said troops often monitor suspects carefully and sometimes wait until they leave populated areas before launching attacks in order to reduce the risk of harming innocent civilians.
Bwala described kidnapping as a growing criminal economy driven by different groups. He said while terrorists are involved in many cases, investigations have also shown that some kidnappings are carried out by Nigerians, including people who are familiar with their victims.
He added that the government is increasing the presence of police officers and DSS personnel in communities while supporting community policing initiatives. He pointed to efforts by some state governments, including Lagos State, to strengthen neighbourhood security through local marshals and encourage residents to report suspicious activities.
Bwala also stated that insecurity often rises during election periods because criminal groups take advantage of the political season to recruit more people and increase illegal activities. He urged Nigerians to assess the government’s security efforts over time rather than focusing only on current challenges.
He further disclosed that security agencies are taking action against officers found to be working with criminals. According to him, investigations have already led to the arrest of some compromised officials, including a senior police officer, as part of efforts to restore discipline and improve the fight against insecurity across the country.