Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to review and rationalise the proliferation of federal, state, and quasi-government security and paramilitary agencies across the country. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, announced the initiative in Abuja on Wednesday, stating it is part of ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and address the growing number of unaccredited quasi-security outfits.
He noted that the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies has created challenges, including duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and operational inefficiencies.
The committee, chaired by the SGF, is mandated to compile a comprehensive inventory of all security and paramilitary outfits at federal, state, and quasi-government levels, examine their legal and operational mandates, and assess areas of overlap or conflict.
It will also evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of emerging security outfits, review coordination mechanisms among agencies, and propose reforms to enhance accountability and reduce redundancies. The panel is further expected to recommend policy, legal, and institutional options for restructuring the agencies, including possible merger, harmonisation, reclassification, or dissolution where necessary.
Membership of the committee includes representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to the Federal Government within an approved timeframe.
The announcement has generated significant debate among security experts and civil society, many of whom have long criticised the duplication of roles among Nigeria’s numerous security agencies.
Analysts point to the overlapping mandates of the Police, the NSCDC, and the FRSC as a primary concern, with some arguing that the proliferation of special forces units across agencies has diluted effectiveness and fostered unhealthy competition. The move is seen as a critical step toward improving coordination and efficiency, aligning with broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security sector.
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