Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has said Nigeria has the capacity to overcome its security challenges, arguing that the country possesses the necessary institutions and structures to confront insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News while reacting to growing concerns over insecurity and recent figures released by the National Human Rights Commission, Ejiofor rejected suggestions that Nigeria lacks the ability to address the problem.
“We have the capacity to deal with the situation,” he said.
According to Ejiofor, the recent wave of kidnappings and attacks is intended to create fear among citizens and undermine public confidence in government.
“Virtually nobody is safe, and that is the point the bandits are trying to make,” he stated.
He stated that criminal groups are deliberately attempting to project strength by targeting prominent individuals and vulnerable communities.
“They are trying to instil fear,” he said.
Ejiofor maintained that despite the security challenges, authorities have continued to record progress through arrests, prosecutions, and convictions of suspected criminal leaders.
“In the past two weeks, notable leaders of various groups have been arrested,” he stated.
According to him, ongoing security operations demonstrate that law enforcement agencies remain actively engaged in combating insecurity.
“We are making progress,” he said.
Ejiofor also highlighted improvements in intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies.
“There is more synergy and collaboration,” he stated.
He credited the intelligence community with providing actionable information to support security operations across the country.
“There has been intensification of intelligence gathering,” he said.
According to Ejiofor, one of the major challenges facing security agencies is inadequate funding and logistical support.
“The funds being provided are not sufficient,” he stated.
He argued that improving budget implementation and operational resources would significantly enhance the effectiveness of security personnel.
“You need to boost the morale of the troops,” he said.
Ejiofor also called for greater public support for security agencies, noting that many personnel operate under difficult conditions.
“They are working under very difficult situations,” he stated.
According to him, recent government initiatives, including plans for forest guards and ongoing discussions around state policing, demonstrate efforts to strengthen security architecture.
“Government is addressing it,” he said.
Ejiofor concluded that Nigeria possesses the capacity to defeat insecurity but stressed that sustained intelligence operations, improved funding, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and continued government support will be necessary to achieve lasting security across the country.
Ojo Triumph
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