Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a broader and more strategic approach to defence procurement and international security cooperation, insisting that Nigeria must diversify its sources of military hardware and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Ejiofor made the call while assessing Nigeria’s security challenges amid growing concerns about the impact of global conflicts on the international arms market and defence supply chains.
According to him, the ongoing wars involving major global powers, including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran and the United States, may affect access to military equipment, but Nigeria still has viable alternatives capable of meeting its defence requirements.
He noted that countries such as Turkey and China have emerged as significant players in global defence manufacturing and could serve as strategic partners in helping Nigeria strengthen its military capabilities.
“Even if some traditional suppliers are constrained by ongoing conflicts, Nigeria still has options. We can look towards countries like Turkey and China, among others, to meet our defence needs,” Ejiofor said.
The former DSS director also called for a critical review of Nigeria’s existing international security collaborations, particularly with the United States, arguing that such partnerships should be assessed based on measurable outcomes and their impact on national security.
While acknowledging the long-standing relationship between both countries in security and counterterrorism efforts, Ejiofor questioned whether the benefits of such cooperation were sufficiently visible in the country’s ongoing fight against insecurity.
He stressed that international partnerships should ultimately translate into improved intelligence gathering, operational effectiveness and safer communities.
According to him, defence cooperation should not merely exist on paper but must deliver tangible results capable of weakening criminal networks and terrorist organisations threatening national stability.
Ejiofor also weighed in on the establishment of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, cautioning that the success of the initiative would depend largely on the clarity of its mandate and relationship with existing security institutions.
He warned that overlapping responsibilities between the new office and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) could create administrative bottlenecks and institutional rivalry if roles are not properly defined.
The former intelligence chief suggested that the concept may have been inspired by the homeland security framework adopted in the United States but stressed that Nigeria must tailor its security architecture to local realities.
According to him, effective coordination remains essential to ensuring that security agencies work towards common objectives without duplication of responsibilities.
Beyond military hardware, Ejiofor argued that defeating insecurity requires a comprehensive strategy anchored on intelligence, planning, coordination and operational effectiveness.
He maintained that while access to weapons is important, security victories are ultimately determined by the quality of intelligence and the ability of agencies to act swiftly and decisively.
The former DSS director stressed that the country’s security agencies must be equipped with modern skills, technology and intelligence capabilities capable of confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
Ejiofor further cautioned against approaches that may project weakness in dealing with terrorists, kidnappers and other armed groups.
According to him, the priority of government should be to systematically weaken criminal organisations and compel them to surrender through sustained security pressure rather than relying on premature negotiations.
“The objective should be to bring these groups to their knees and make them surrender to the authority of the state. Negotiations should come from a position of strength, not weakness,” he stated.
He added that any surrender by criminal elements must be followed by appropriate legal processes to ensure accountability and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
While urging government to intensify security operations, Ejiofor also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and security-conscious in their daily activities.
He noted that insecurity has become increasingly unpredictable, affecting both ordinary citizens and high-profile individuals, making situational awareness a critical component of personal safety.
The former DSS director advised citizens, particularly travellers, to pay close attention to their environment, adhere to security advisories and take precautionary measures where necessary.
As Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats, Ejiofor emphasized the need for sustained reforms aimed at strengthening intelligence coordination, enhancing defence capabilities and building a more responsive security architecture.
He maintained that long-term success would depend on a combination of effective leadership, strategic partnerships, modern equipment, intelligence-driven operations and a united national commitment to confronting insecurity.
For the former security chief, the path forward is clear: Nigeria must expand its global security options, strengthen its institutions and ensure that every security partnership delivers measurable results in protecting lives and preserving national stability.
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