Nigeria seeks new approach to tackling insecurity

In a bid to address the alarming rise in insecurity across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has charged security chiefs with the task of securing the country and restoring peace and stability. The nation has been plagued by various forms of violence, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, creating a sense of fear and uncertainty among the populace. To discuss the potential strategies and solutions to this pressing issue, Confidence McHarry, a Security Analyst at SBM Intelligence, shared insights in an interview on CNBC Africa. The key theme of the discussion revolves around the need for a new approach to tackle the security challenges facing Nigeria. Here are three key points highlighted in the dialogue: Optimism Surrounding the President's Choice of National Security Advisor: McHarry commended President Tinubu's decision to appoint a National Security Advisor with a background in combating terrorist financing, breaking away from the tradition of selecting retired military officers. This move signals a potential shift towards a focus on addressing the underlying issues contributing to insecurity, such as terrorist funding, which has been previously overlooked. The emphasis on intelligence gathering and disrupting the financial networks of criminal elements marks a significant departure from past approaches. The Role of Various Security Agencies and the Need for Strategic Alignment: The conversation also delved into the importance of delineating the roles of different security agencies within Nigeria. McHarry raised concerns about the tendency to deploy military forces for internal policing duties that should fall under the purview of the police. To effectively combat insecurity, there is a critical need for strategic alignment among security agencies, ensuring that each entity operates within its designated mandate. By optimizing the capabilities of the military for border protection and leveraging the policing functions of law enforcement agencies, Nigeria can enhance its overall security architecture. Addressing Socioeconomic Factors Underlying Insecurity: Beyond military interventions, McHarry underscored the significance of addressing the socioeconomic factors contributing to the escalation of insecurity in Nigeria. High unemployment rates, economic instability, and political grievances have fueled tensions in various regions, exacerbating existing security threats. The need for a holistic approach that combines security measures with economic reforms and political dialogue is essential to address the root causes of conflict and instability. As the interview progressed, McHarry emphasized the limitations of solely relying on military solutions to tackle the complex security challenges facing Nigeria. While the defense budget has seen incremental increases over the years, addressing insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond military expenditure. McHarry stressed the importance of strategic investments in economic development, job creation, and political reconciliation to foster long-term stability. The integration of diplomacy, dialogue, and political settlements alongside security measures is imperative in achieving lasting peace in the country. In conclusion, the discussion underscored the critical need for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to address Nigeria's security challenges effectively. By adopting a strategy that integrates intelligence gathering, strategic alignment among security agencies, and addressing underlying socioeconomic factors, Nigeria can navigate towards a more secure and stable future.