President Tinubu's Test: Confronting Corruption and Insecurity in Nigeria's Fractured Security System

 

Under President Tinubu, Nigeria confronts an unprecedented security crisis, where the betrayal within is as dangerous as the threats from outside.

In Nigeria, the situation of insecurity has been deteriorating sharply under the Bola Tinubu administration, reaching alarming proportions after the brazen killing of two victims, Nabeeha al-Kadriyar and Folashade Ariyo by bandits in the Federal Capital Territory. This incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country, causing widespread panic and exposing the deep-rooted issues plaguing Nigeria's security apparatus.

The heart of Nigeria's escalating security dilemma is deeply rooted in the profound compromise and deterioration of its principal security institutions – the Nigerian Police, Civil Defense, and the State Security Service (SSS). These agencies, which are supposed to be the bulwarks of safety and order, have been severely undermined by pervasive internal corruption and the insidious infiltration of criminal networks. This has not only weakened their operational effectiveness but has also turned them into porous entities, vulnerable to manipulation by the very elements they are meant to combat. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent intelligence leaks and acts of sabotage orchestrated from within their ranks. Such breaches of security protocols and loyalty have alarmingly facilitated the activities of bandits and other criminal groups. These malefactors, exploiting the compromised state of these institutions, have managed to evade capture repeatedly. In several alarming instances, they have even managed to overpower the security forces, turning the tables on those charged with the nation's protection. The result is a cycle of violence and lawlessness that continues to escalate, challenging the very foundation of law and order in Nigeria.

The already grave security situation is further aggravated by rampant corruption among some state governors and politicians, who engage in the deliberate misappropriation of substantial federal funds, known as ‘security votes’, earmarked explicitly for bolstering security measures. This misallocation of resources has a crippling effect on the nation's security apparatus. Instead of being channeled towards enhancing the capabilities and reach of the security forces, these crucial funds are siphoned off for other purposes, leaving the security agencies severely underfunded and ill-equipped. Consequently, the security forces find themselves not only outnumbered but also outgunned in their struggle against the increasingly bold and well-armed bandits. A stark example of this imbalance was the harrowing incident on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on January 7, where 30 innocent travelers fell victim to a brazen abduction. The response from the police, marked by denial and a lack of accountability, only serves to highlight the depth of the crisis. This episode not only underscores the inadequacy of the security forces in terms of manpower and firepower but also points to a broader issue of systemic failure, where the very entities meant to safeguard the populace are left incapacitated by the corrosive effects of political and administrative corruption.

In response to this escalating crisis, President Tinubu must adopt new, more effective strategies. His administration’s current approach, largely a continuation of the inaction characterizing his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari's tenure, has been inadequate. Under Buhari, the Nigerian Security Tracker documented 63,111 violent deaths and 17,086 kidnappings from 2015 to 2022. The trend has continued under Tinubu, with 5,060 deaths recorded in just his first seven months in office.

Addressing the pervasive crisis  requires a decisive and multifaceted approach, central to which is the strategic infiltration of the security forces by a cadre of well-compensated, undeniably incorruptible spies. The plan would involve embedding these meticulously selected spies across a spectrum of roles within the Nigerian Police, Civil Defense, and the State Security Service (SSS). Far from being mere placeholders, these spies would be integral cogs in a larger machine, equipped with the latest in advanced surveillance technology. Their mission: to gather vital, actionable intelligence. This intelligence would be the linchpin in the systematic identification and subsequent elimination of corrupt elements that have insidiously woven themselves into the fabric of the security forces, as well as the criminal networks benefiting from such corruption. By rooting out these compromised individuals and dismantling the structures that support them, the plan aims to cleanse the security forces of its malignant components. What would remain after this purge is a streamlined, efficient, and most importantly, incorruptible cohort of security personnel. These seasoned agents, unburdened by the shackles of internal corruption, would be empowered and motivated to focus their expertise and resources on the formidable task at hand – eradicating the criminals who are relentlessly victimizing Nigerians. Such a rejuvenated force, operating with renewed vigor and unimpeachable integrity, would stand as a formidable barrier against the tide of criminality and restore a sense of safety and normalcy to the daily lives of the Nigerian populace.

Furthermore, President Tinubu should leverage technological resources, such as the National Identity Number (NIN) and SIM data, to track and apprehend bandits. Reassigning police officers from VIP protection to field operations would augment the manpower needed to combat this crisis too. Additionally, the President must show the political resolve to address indirect causes of violence, such as open herding, and set concrete performance targets for security chiefs.

A radical overhaul of the policing system is imperative as well. The single police structure has failed, and decentralization, akin to practices in other federal nations, might prove more effective. This restructuring, coupled with efforts to stem the proliferation of arms, could significantly bolster public safety and restore trust in the government’s capacity to protect its citizens.

Now or Never

President Tinubu stands at a critical juncture in Nigeria's history, with the nation's future security and stability hinging on the actions he takes now. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The time for President Tinubu to implement a comprehensive strategy that harnesses intelligence, technology, and sweeping reforms is not in the distant future, but right at this moment. Failure to act promptly and decisively in restructuring the compromised security apparatus and rooting out corruption will only exacerbate the current state of chaos and violence. His tenure as President offers a unique opportunity to redefine Nigeria's approach to security, a chance to implement transformative changes that could steer the country towards lasting peace and stability. It is imperative that President Tinubu recognizes the immediacy of this crisis and acts without delay. The adoption of these critical measures cannot be deferred, for the longer the wait, the deeper the nation sinks into the quagmire of insecurity.

The stakes of inaction or inadequate action are monumental. Should President Tinubu fail to rise to this occasion, the consequences would be dire, potentially turning Nigeria into a failed state. Such a scenario would not only be a tragic denouement to his presidency but would also mark a profound betrayal of the trust placed in him by millions of Nigerians. A failure to effectively tackle the security crisis would be seen as an abdication of his most fundamental responsibilities as the leader of the nation. The legacy of his presidency would be irrevocably tarnished, remembered as a period when Nigeria could have changed course but instead plunged deeper into turmoil. Nigerians, yearning for safety and stability in their daily lives, would find it hard to forgive a leader who had the means and the opportunity to enact change but chose not to. President Tinubu's actions in the coming days will be closely watched, not just by Nigerians, but by history itself, as they will determine whether he is the leader who saved Nigeria from the brink or the one under whom it faltered irretrievably.