FG Urged To Establish A National Intelligence Service To Curb Insecurity

• North Central Development Initiative proposes establishment of National Intelligence Service to address insecurity, emphasizing need for dedicated internal intelligence agency
• Director General Otigba advocates for differentiation between internal and foreign intelligence operations, draws inspiration from successful models in other countries

The North Central Development Initiative (NCDI) has proposed the establishment of a National Intelligence Service (NIS) to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. Comrade Musa Ali Otigba, Director General/National Coordinator of NCDI, advocated for this move during an event in Abuja.

He emphasized the urgent need for an agency dedicated to providing intelligence to address internal security threats. Otigba stressed the escalating insecurity across various regions of Nigeria, urging the government to explore innovative strategies for intelligence gathering.

Otigba highlighted the importance of differentiating between internal and foreign intelligence operations. He suggested that while the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) focuses on foreign intelligence, a new NIS would handle internal security concerns exclusively. This, he believes, would streamline intelligence efforts and enhance accountability.

Drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like Botswana, Rwanda, and Kenya, Otigba emphasized the potential for significant improvements in Nigeria’s security landscape by establishing a dedicated internal intelligence service.

Additionally, Otigba proposed the creation of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address developmental challenges in the region. He called upon citizens and lawmakers from the North Central states to support this initiative for sustainable progress.

The sentiments echoed by community leaders, such as Barnabas Ojiah Adeku, underscored the pressing need for improved security. Adeku expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on farming activities and the livelihoods of youth in the region.

Ali Abare, Special Assistant on Media to the Nasarawa State governor, shared optimism about the potential development of the North Central region, echoing the sentiment that enhanced security is pivotal for progress.