Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, and former Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, have issued a pressing call to the Federal Government to urgently reinforce Nigeria’s security infrastructure in response to the growing threats posed by terrorist networks such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Their warning follows a recent United Nations report presented to the U.N. Security Council, which flagged an alarming escalation of extremist activities across various parts of Africa. According to the UN experts, groups like Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in West Africa and Al-Shabaab in East Africa continue to expand their influence and territorial control.
The report emphasized that Africa has become a focal point for Islamic State-affiliated movements due to significant losses by ISIS in the Middle East. This shift has also led to increased concern over foreign terrorist fighters relocating to regions like Central Asia and Afghanistan, posing broader threats to regional and global security.
READ MORE: Charity Regulator Issues Warning to Oxford Mosque Over Social Media Posts
Speaking on the matter, Inalegwu expressed grave concern over the expansion of terrorist networks, particularly ISIS, in the Sahel regions of Mali and Burkina Faso. He pointed out their growing ability to coordinate with extremists in Nigeria, especially in the North-East.
“Their collaboration with insurgent groups in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, is deeply worrisome,” Inalegwu stated in an interview with The Nation.
“Our intelligence agencies must be empowered to disrupt infiltration efforts. Financial surveillance is crucial, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) should intensify its monitoring of suspicious fund transfers used to fuel these operations.”
He also advocated for the strengthening of ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Mechanisms, activation of border security coordination committees, and deeper collaboration between traditional institutions, local governance structures, and security agencies in border communities.
“Communities along borderlines must be supported to share real-time intelligence on suspicious movements,” he added.
“We need stronger cooperation with neighboring countries and must also keep a close watch on parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region using community policing strategies.”
Former Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, echoed similar concerns. He stressed that all levels of government must work collectively to enhance national security.
“Every route and vulnerable point must be secured,” Alobi said. “Our security forces need to be adequately trained, equipped, and strategically positioned to anticipate and prevent attacks.”
He urged the government to not relent in its efforts, stating that while President Tinubu is taking security seriously, greater urgency is needed.
“We must not allow terrorists or criminal elements to destabilize the nation. Everyone must be on alert.”
Adding to these voices, former Imo State Police Commissioner, Hussain Rabiu, emphasized the critical issue of Nigeria’s porous borders, which he identified as a major vulnerability.
“Anyone can enter this country with arms and ammunition unchecked. This is a dangerous loophole that threatens our national security,” Rabiu warned.
He attributed this weakness to systemic flaws, including underfunding and poor equipment for border patrol and law enforcement agents.
“Security personnel are poorly paid and lack adequate tools to do their job. How can we expect loyalty and diligence under such conditions?” he asked.
“To combat terrorism effectively, we must prioritize the welfare of security officers, modernize intelligence departments, and hold officials accountable for negligence.”
Rabiu also pointed out that criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated, while security operatives are still battling them with outdated tools and strategies.
“We need to overhaul our security architecture, equip our officers with modern surveillance and defense technologies, and enforce strict accountability mechanisms,” he concluded.
His statements are consistent with recommendations from national security experts, who have long advocated for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to combat terrorism. Key pillars of such a strategy include:
-
Strategic intelligence gathering
-
Inter-agency collaboration
-
Enhanced border surveillance
-
Boosted funding for personnel welfare
-
Deployment of modern technology
As terrorist activities intensify in neighboring countries, Nigeria’s proactive response may prove critical to maintaining national peace and preventing regional destabilization.
