Dambazau Calls for New Security Paradigm As Experts Converge On Nigeria’s Internal Security Architecture
Nigeria must urgently rethink its internal security strategy by shifting from a purely military-centred approach to a people-focused model that addresses governance, poverty, and human development, former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Dambazau, has said.
Delivering the keynote address at the 7th Annual Public Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN) in Abuja, themed “Nigeria’s Security Challenges and the Quest for National Cohesion: A New Paradigm for Internal Security Architecture,” Dambazau stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive, intelligence-led, and human-centric policies.
He observed that despite huge financial and military investments since 1999, Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and communal violence, a reality he attributed to poor governance, weak institutions, and the neglect of human security.
Quoting the 1999 Constitution, Dambazau noted that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” but lamented that corruption, inadequate oversight, and poor coordination among security agencies have continued to undermine national cohesion.
A former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Professor Tony Iredia, said insecurity has persisted because the duty is left in the hands of security agents.
A discussant, Dr Okay Ikechukwu, called for third-party advocacy, evidence-based data, and community involvement to ensure better security.
Air Vice Marshal Gbolahan Adekunle, Retired, disclosed that Nigeria is losing hundreds of millions every year as it is not utilising all its trained personnel.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of JFCN, Mr Fred Ohwahwa, said the lecture was convened to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and encourage citizen participation in peacebuilding
Ohwahwa expressed concern that Nigeria’s failure to decisively address insecurity “does not speak well of us as a serious nation,” urging citizens to take collective responsibility for peace and national stability.
The event brought together policymakers, security experts, academics, and members of civil society in a robust discussion aimed at redefining Nigeria’s internal security framework for a safer and more cohesive nation.
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