Retd. General Williams stated that the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) should be disbanded because they have failed in one of their core mandates—tracking and identifying sponsors of terrorism. This inefficiency has significantly contributed to the worsening insecurity in the country. Retired General Ishola Williams, a former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, expressed frustration over the inability of these agencies to confront terrorism's root causes despite access to intelligence and resources. He questioned their effectiveness, emphasizing that continued reliance on ineffective institutions only exacerbates the nation’s vulnerability to banditry and terror attacks.
According to Williams, Nigeria's current security framework is fundamentally flawed. He noted that prominent figures, including Sheikh Gumi, have publicly stated that security agencies know the locations of bandits and terrorists, yet no decisive action is taken. Northern governors have similarly alleged collusion between security operatives and criminal elements. Despite these alarming revelations, the relevant agencies, including the DSS, have done little to disrupt the networks enabling terrorism financing. This failure, according to Williams, underscores why these agencies should be disbanded or restructured to restore public confidence and effectiveness in tackling internal security challenges.
Williams argued that the ineffectiveness of intelligence agencies reflects a lack of political will and operational accountability. He dismissed the common excuse of inadequate equipment, asserting that successive administrations have invested in sophisticated weaponry and force multipliers for the military. The real problem, he posited, lies in poor weapon maintenance, deficient training, and a pervasive lack of resolve among security personnel. Without the will to combat insurgents, no amount of resources or strategy can yield success. He compared this to a boxer lacking the determination to defeat an opponent, stressing that skills without willpower are ineffective.
The retired general further criticized the conflation of military and paramilitary roles in addressing internal security threats. He explained that, globally, counterterrorism is primarily the responsibility of paramilitary police forces, not the military. The Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL) was originally created for this purpose but has since been overshadowed by military deployments. He called for a clear distinction between conventional policing, paramilitary policing, and military operations. This structural confusion, according to him, undermines the effectiveness of all involved and creates systemic inefficiencies that embolden criminal elements.
Williams proposed an overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. He recommended the establishment of a National Paramilitary Force separate from the Nigeria Police Force, with a dedicated commander-general to oversee operations. This force would handle terrorism, banditry, and extreme violence, freeing the military to focus on its core mandate—defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He also advocated for the creation of a Crime Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Agency to provide specialized support for state policing.
In addressing terrorism politically, he lamented the silence of political leaders regarding the crisis in the South East, where daily killings persist. Political engagement, alongside security measures, is necessary to achieve sustainable peace. However, he observed that a lack of proactive political solutions continues to fuel insecurity across the country. Williams’s blunt assessment serves as a call for decisive reforms, as the status quo only perpetuates Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Comments
Post a Comment