A wave of deadly attacks in Jos, Plateau State, has once again thrown Nigeria’s fragile security architecture into sharp focus, with a security expert pointing to critical intelligence lapses and leadership failures as the root causes of the recurring violence.
The expert began by expressing condolences to victims and families affected not only in Plateau but across the country, including fallen security personnel. He noted that similar incidents in Kaduna and other regions underscore a troubling pattern of persistent insecurity.
According to him, the frequency of these attacks signals that “something fundamental is missing” in Nigeria’s current security approach. While investments in technology such as drones have increased, he stressed that these tools cannot replace the importance of well-resourced personnel on the ground.
“Technology alone cannot solve the problem,” he said. “Without the trust of the people and credible human intelligence, these attacks will continue to happen.”
He emphasized that rebuilding public confidence in security agencies is crucial. When communities trust authorities, they are more likely to share timely and actionable information—often the difference between preventing and reacting to attacks.
The expert also criticized the over-centralization of security responses, arguing that state governors must take primary responsibility for safeguarding their domains rather than relying heavily on federal intervention.
“Every governor is effectively the president of their state when it comes to security,” he said. “They must conduct proper threat analysis and engage local structures, including traditional institutions, instead of waiting for directives from Abuja.”
He further condemned the absenteeism of some local government chairmen and state leaders, noting that their absence from grassroots communities weakens intelligence gathering and response mechanisms.
Drawing from past experience in Lagos and Oyo states, the expert highlighted how proactive strategies, collaboration between state and non-state actors, and strong government support helped curb crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.
Addressing the underlying causes of insecurity in Plateau State, he pointed to “insincerity” in handling security challenges. He criticized the use of external fact-finding teams unfamiliar with local dynamics, arguing that community involvement is often neglected in designing solutions.
On claims that insecurity tends to escalate during election periods, he dismissed such narratives as “an aberration” and a failure of accountability.
“If we know this pattern exists, why haven’t we solved it after decades?” he asked, calling it a collective failure of leadership and society.
The expert also weighed in on the growing calls for state police, describing it as only one part of a broader solution rather than a silver bullet. He noted that many police officers already spend years within the same communities, gaining local familiarity that should, in theory, enhance effectiveness.
Ultimately, he called for a “whole-of-society approach” to security—one that combines strong leadership, community trust, proactive intelligence, and collaboration across all levels of governance.
As violence continues to grip parts of the country, his message is clear: Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved by technology or policy alone, but by a coordinated effort rooted in accountability, local engagement, and trust.
