Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Tunde Ogunsakin, has called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies to effectively address the nation’s complex security challenges. Delivering a lecture titled “Inter-Agency Unity: The Power of Collective Action” at an event organized by First Security Information (FSI) Nigeria, Ogunsakin stressed that collective action is essential to restoring peace and stability across the country.
Ogunsakin, a seasoned law enforcement officer with a distinguished career, defined inter-agency unity as the synchronization of efforts among security agencies to achieve shared objectives. He cited improved operational efficiency, resource management, and intelligence sharing as the primary benefits of collaborative efforts.
He recalled his tenure with the Nigeria Police Force, where inter-agency cooperation proved vital in addressing high-profile issues. During the investigation of the fuel subsidy fraud, collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Navy, and Nigeria Customs Service resulted in significant breakthroughs. Similarly, in Rivers State, initiatives like the “Say No to Kidnapping” campaign and coordinated efforts with local agencies drastically reduced incidents of kidnapping and oil bunkering.
Ogunsakin highlighted several challenges undermining inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria, including:
– **Corruption and Poor Administration**: These undermine trust and operational effectiveness.
– **Resource Deficiencies**: Insufficient funding, manpower, and modern equipment limit agencies’ capacity to respond to security threats.
– **Rivalries Among Agencies**: Superiority complexes and a lack of trust often prevent smooth cooperation.
– **Inadequate Communication**: Delays in sharing critical intelligence impede timely decision-making.
He emphasized the need for the federal government to address these issues and prioritize resources for security agencies.
Ogunsakin pointed to international examples of inter-agency success, such as post-9/11 reforms in the United States, where the establishment of stronger counter-terrorism frameworks improved coordination. He encouraged Nigerian security agencies to adopt similar models to strengthen national security.
Highlighting domestic success stories, he praised the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial operations and the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Services for their collaborative efforts in combating Boko Haram in the Northeast.
Ogunsakin urged the establishment of institutional frameworks that promote inter-agency synergy, such as regular stakeholder forums. Drawing from his experience, he explained that forums involving academia, corporate entities, and regulatory agencies during his leadership at the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos significantly enhanced coordination.
“The power of collective action through inter-agency unity cannot be overemphasized,” he stated, calling for a renewed focus on trust-building, resource-sharing, and coordinated strategies among security agencies.
The retired AIG concluded by appealing to the leadership of Nigeria’s security institutions to embrace collaboration as the cornerstone of national security efforts, stressing that addressing insecurity requires a united and determined approach.
His lecture serves as a clarion call to policymakers, security agencies, and the public to work together in fostering a safer Nigeria.