A retired Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has delivered a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, arguing that the crisis stems less from structural limitations and more from poor leadership, weak community trust, and failure to leverage local intelligence.
Speaking against the backdrop of renewed violence in Jos, Owoseni expressed condolences to victims and security personnel killed in recent attacks, while stressing that recurring incidents point to critical gaps in Nigeria’s security strategy.
According to him, the overreliance on technology without strengthening human intelligence is a major flaw. He emphasized that effective policing depends on “boots on the ground” and, more importantly, the trust of local communities.
“Technology alone cannot solve our security challenges,” he said. “If people trust the system, they will provide real-time intelligence. Without that trust, security agencies are operating blindly.”
Governors Must Take Responsibility
Owoseni dismissed the growing narrative that state governors are powerless under Nigeria’s centralized security architecture. He insisted that governors possess sufficient authority and resources to tackle insecurity within their domains but often fail to act decisively.
Reacting to recent consultations between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang, Owoseni argued that solutions should not originate from Abuja.
“Every governor is the president of his state,” he said. “They should not wait to be summoned before addressing security challenges. The solutions are within their domains.”
He criticized absentee leadership at both state and local government levels, noting that many officials are disconnected from the communities they govern.
Intelligence and Local Collaboration Key
Owoseni identified intelligence failure as a core issue, stressing that communities often know perpetrators of violence but lack confidence in security institutions to report them.
Drawing from his experience in Lagos and Oyo State, he highlighted how coordinated efforts between government, security agencies, and residents helped curb crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.
He advocated for an “integrated security model” that combines state actors with non-state actors, including traditional institutions and local vigilante groups.
State Police Not a Silver Bullet
While acknowledging calls for state policing, Owoseni cautioned against presenting it as a standalone solution. He argued that many officers already serve long-term in specific states and are familiar with local terrains.
“State police is not the magic answer,” he said. “What we need is accountability, proper coordination, and the political will to act.”
Politicisation of Security Fuels Crisis
Owoseni also warned against ethnic and religious profiling in security discourse, describing it as dangerous and counterproductive.
“Criminals have no tribe or religion,” he said. “The moment leaders begin to colour security issues along ethnic lines, they have already failed.”
He blamed political actors for exploiting ethnic divisions, particularly in Plateau, where he said long-standing communal harmony has been eroded.
Weak Institutions Undermining Security
The former police chief pointed to systemic weaknesses, especially within the Nigeria Police Force, as a major factor sustaining insecurity. He argued that the military’s role in internal security should be temporary, not permanent.
“If the police remain under-resourced, insecurity will persist,” he warned.
Citizens Must Play Active Role
Owoseni stressed that security is a shared responsibility, urging citizens to adopt proactive measures such as community surveillance and basic safety practices.
He also criticized the elite for failing to support grassroots security initiatives, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the burden.
Call for Accountability
Addressing residents of Jos, Owoseni urged communities to demand accountability from political leaders and traditional rulers.
“People must insist on results, not just rhetoric,” he said. “They are the first responders. They must rise and say enough is enough.”
He concluded that Nigeria must stop seeking foreign solutions to its security challenges and instead harness local knowledge, leadership, and community cooperation to restore safety.
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