Abuja: The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has emphasized the urgent need for improved intelligence sharing to effectively address Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges. Speaking at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 Interagency Seminar, Marwa highlighted the complex security landscape facing the country, which includes insurgency in the North East, farmer-herder conflicts in the North West and North Central, secessionist agitations in the South East, and organized crimes, such as drug trafficking, in the South South and South West.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Marwa underscored the necessity for a comprehensive approach involving both government and society as criminals continue to exploit technology and transnational networks. He pointed out the connection between drug trafficking and funding for other security threats, advocating for integrated collaboration among security stakeholders, including the armed forces, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and civil society. Marwa called for enhanced operational synergy and the establishment of a seamless mechanism for real-time intelligence sharing and cross-agency training.
The seminar, themed ‘Enhancing Intelligence Sharing Across Nigeria’s Security Ecosystem: From Friction to Collaboration,’ provided a platform for fostering interagency cooperation. Retired Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, former Chief of Defence Intelligence, warned that intelligence gaps remain a critical vulnerability in Nigeria’s security architecture. Adebayo noted that these gaps often lead to delayed warnings and fragmented situational awareness, which are exploited by criminal networks and insurgents.
Adebayo further explained that Nigeria’s security ecosystem, comprising multiple agencies with overlapping responsibilities, suffers from interagency rivalries and poor coordination. He emphasized that bridging these intelligence gaps is crucial for effective national security operations and the protection of critical infrastructure. Enhanced intelligence sharing and unity among security stakeholders would strengthen operational effectiveness and public confidence.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, Commandant of AWCN, welcomed seminar participants, including 100 officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied forces from 10 African countries, as well as 43 participants from various federal agencies. Alkali stated that the course aims to equip participants with skills in inter-agency cooperation, strategic analysis, and national security management.