Inter-Agency Rivalry

The spotlight in Nigeria has often been on the various conflicts in the country; however, not much attention is given to the security agencies and the level of inter-agency cooperation. All security agencies have their distinct areas of competence. The identification of these areas, as well as overlapping areas of cooperation, provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of national security. Ideally, a multi-track security system is meant to balance maintaining internal security and curtailing external aggression. However, the reports of multidimensional inter-agency rivalry and bloody clashes between the military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies have exposed some lapses that require rapid attention.

Inter-agency clashes have made headlines and raised concern over the nation’s security agencies’ security architecture and coordination. Security agencies have not only been involved in physical altercations but have also demonstrated a lack of professionalism. These clashes have bordered on some agencies’ need to impose supremacy. According to a study, clashes between the Nigeria Police and Armed Forces are common, followed by the rivalry between the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). For instance, the incident on 22^nd November 2023 in Adamawa State occurred between members of the police and the military officers, culminating in a shootout between the two agencies. Also, on 17^th November 2023, there was an incident in Kaduna State where operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were involved in a confrontation. The altercation started with the arrest of Air Force personnel from an eatery. It escalated into a confrontation between NAF personnel and EFCC operatives at the Kaduna command center of the anti-graft agency. In some cases of these clashes, one can cite a clear miscommunication and, to an extent, unprofessionalism and high-handedness, as in the incident in Adamawa state, which led to the death of an inspector.

In some analyses, bold claims have been made on the deteriorating inter-agency cooperation among Nigeria’s military and paramilitary units contributing to the inability to effectively tackle the nation’s security issues. The lack of coordination and clashes can also negatively affect democracy. Analysing this from an angle of ineptitude by the leadership of relevant agencies as well as the overall leadership of the country to operate a security apparatus with clear-cut rules of operation. This also creates distrust among the public regarding agency competence.

Overall, years of peacebuilding efforts can be said to be at risk, with the level of inter-agency rivalry being witnessed in Nigeria. To effectively confront the complexities of low-intensity violent conflicts and checkmate their reoccurrence, the military and paramilitary agencies must have integrated tactical engagements and joint operations. There is a pressing need for the Nigerian government to clearly state the distinct roles of Nigeria’s security agencies and strengthen areas of collaboration.

On the issue of supremacy, there is a need for reorientation of all agencies on the common goal, which is the pursuit of national security, as well as re-emphasising the need for mutual respect of all agencies. Furthermore, there is a need for a strict disciplinary structure in the ranks of all agencies to address unprofessionalism and high-handedness among personnel. Civilians stand to be on the receiving end in the continuous inter-rival clashes, and it poses an obstacle to civil-military cooperation needed for intelligence gathering in Nigeria’s violent conflict-affected scenes. Nigeria’s security challenges today can only be addressed with coordination and cooperation among agencies.