Tasks for the new intelligence chiefs

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new heads of the country’s key intelligence agencies. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed now heads the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), while Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi takes over at the Department of State Services (DSS).

These appointments come at a crucial time in Nigeria’s history as the country grapples with multifaceted security challenges that require a robust and coordinated intelligence response.

We believe that the significance of these appointments cannot be overstated. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, faces a complex web of security threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, illegal mining and farmer-herder crises. Separatist movements in the southeast and widespread kidnappings across the country are also part of the mix.

These challenges not only undermine national security but also hamper economic growth and social development.

The new intelligence chiefs bring with them a wealth of experience. Ambassador Mohammed’s extensive career in the Foreign Service, including roles in various international postings, positions him well to lead the NIA in the collection and analysis of external intelligence critical to Nigeria’s interests.

Ajayi’s rise within the DSS, coupled with his experience as a state director in various regions, provides him with a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s internal security dynamics.
First, the new intelligence chiefs must address the long-standing problem of interagency cooperation. For too long, our intelligence agencies have operated in isolation, jealously guarding information rather than sharing it for the greater good. This lack of synergy is a major Achilles heel in our fight against insecurity.

The Western world, despite its own internal rivalries, has shown the power of intelligence sharing in the fight against common threats. Our agencies must learn from this model. Breaking down these institutional barriers and fostering a culture of collaboration must be a priority for the new intelligence chiefs.

Ambassador Mohammed and Ajayi should prioritize creating robust mechanisms for information sharing and joint operations among the security services. This could include regular inter-agency meetings, shared databases, and joint training exercises. By fostering a culture of collaboration, they can ensure that vital intelligence does not slip through the cracks due to bureaucratic rivalries or institutional ego.

In addition, there is an urgent need to modernize our intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities. In an era where threats are rapidly evolving and often originate in the digital domain, our agencies must be equipped with advanced technology and skills. This includes investing in advanced surveillance systems, cyber intelligence capabilities, and data analysis tools. The new chiefs must push for more funding and resources to close any technology gaps.

The new leadership must also focus on recruiting and training a new generation of intelligence officers who are not only technologically savvy but also have a deep understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the regions in which they operate.

Furthermore, the intelligence community must work to rebuild public trust. Over the years, perceptions of politicization and abuse of power have undermined public confidence in these institutions. The new directors have an opportunity to change this narrative by ensuring transparency (within the bounds of national security), respecting human rights, and demonstrating an unequivocal commitment to the interests of the nation above all else.

It is also critical that the NIA and DSS strengthen their relationships with their international counterparts. Global terrorist and transnational crime networks do not respect borders, and neither should our intelligence agencies. By fostering closer ties with foreign intelligence agencies, we can tap into a broader pool of information and resources to combat shared threats.

But while we look to these new appointments with hope, we must also maintain a sense of realism. The challenges facing our intelligence community are deep-seated and systemic. They cannot be solved overnight or by individual efforts alone. They will require sustained political will from the highest levels of government, adequate funding, and support from all sectors of society.

President Tinubu’s directive to the new security chiefs to reposition the agencies for better results is a step in the right direction. However, this must be backed up by concrete actions, including legislative reforms if necessary, to empower these agencies while ensuring proper oversight.

As we enter this new chapter in our intelligence landscape, it is critical that we as a nation stand behind these efforts. National security is not just the responsibility of intelligence agencies; it requires the vigilance and cooperation of every citizen.

Consequently, the appointment of the new leadership for the NIA and DSS presents a golden opportunity to address long-standing challenges in our intelligence framework. Ambassador Mohammed and Ajayi carry with them the hopes of a nation yearning for peace and security. Their success will not only be measured by the absence of security breaches but also by the establishment of a robust, efficient and reliable intelligence apparatus that will serve as the bedrock of Nigeria’s national security strategy.

As these new leaders take over, they must remember that the security and prosperity of over 200 million Nigerians depends in no small part on the effectiveness of the institutions they now lead. The nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a new beginning in our intelligence operations.