Editorial: Beyond Boots on the ground (Part 3): Policy, Law and Reform for Enduring Security in Nigeria
Nigeria’s discussion around insecurity is evolving. The nation is shifting from just reacting with emotional outbursts to tackling more profound issues related to structure, systems, and sustainability. While the demand for “more boots on the ground” is still relevant, it’s becoming increasingly clear that having more boots isn’t enough to secure a nation. What truly matters is the ground those boots are on.
We at PENPUSHING are of the view that security devoid of clear policy direction, effective regulations, security sector reform, and a modern legislative framework merely multiplies motion without meaning. Without these pillars, simply increasing troop numbers could lead to a lot of activity without any real progress. Such a policy identifies threats, sets priorities, and aligns security goals with national development.
Nigeria’s history of fragmented responses, overlapping agency roles, and security strategies that shift with political changes shows a lack of consistent policy. We at PENPUSHING strongly posit that a credible security policy must transcend individual personalities and political administrations, providing a long-term vision that weaves together safety, economic growth, social unity, and territorial integrity. Security isn’t just about avoiding violence; it’s about creating a stable environment where citizens and institutions can flourish.
Regulation is equally important. Strong regulatory frameworks establish authority, promote collaboration between agencies, and ensure accountability. Nigeria’s security sector has long faced regulatory shortcomings that lead to poor coordination, unchecked power, and a lack of public trust. To operate effectively and lawfully, security institutions need clear, enforceable, and adaptable regulations, especially regarding intelligence sharing, the use of force, and civilian oversight.
Security Sector Reform (SSR) must transit from mere talk to tangible action. Reform isn’t just about uniforms or equipment; it’s about redefining roles, fostering a professional culture, and clarifying institutional boundaries. Nigeria’s heavy dependence on the military for internal security has muddied the waters between civil policing and military action. While there are times when extraordinary threats call for exceptional responses, the ongoing militarization of civilian security can undermine professionalism and put a strain on civil-military relations. It’s crucial to bolster civilian law enforcement while clearly outlining the military’s role, as this is both a constitutional and practical necessity.
Legislation serves as the foundation for policy and reform. Unfortunately, many of Nigeria’s security laws are outdated and ill-equipped to tackle modern challenges such as cybercrime, transnational terrorism, arms trafficking, and weapons proliferation. Examples abound, including the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986, enacted in the pre-digital era and left unchanged for almost four decades, as well as the Firearms Act of 1959, whose provisions remain weak against contemporary arms trafficking and proliferation, among others. The National Assembly and sub-national parliaments must therefore adopt a proactive posture, ensuring that laws evolve in line with present-day realities. Clear legislation is also essential for addressing debates around federalism and security, including state policing and community-based security arrangements. A one-size-fits-all approach simply does not reflect Nigeria’s complex diversity.
At the end of the day, accountability is what holds the entire security framework together. Without transparency, oversight, and consequences for misconduct, even the best-designed systems risk degenerating into inefficiency or oppression. We at PENPUSHING strongly accede to the notion that public trust is the most critical currency in security operations, and it can only be earned when security agencies are perceived as protectors rather than predators. Nigeria’s security challenges will not be resolved by sheer numbers. They will be addressed through institutions built on sound policy, guided by law, purposefully reformed, and sustained by political will. Until that happens, increasing the number of boots on the ground may create more activity, but it will not guarantee enduring security.
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