If I Were The President Of Nigeria, What I Would Do Differently To Enhance National Security -By Adams Mustapha Itopa

An Insightful Plan on Rebuilding Nigeria’s Security Architecture

Abstract

Nigeria today, stands at a difficult crossroad. A nation once full of great hopes and promises, now finds itself overwhelmed by waves of insecurity. Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated over the last decade, expanding from isolated incidents of insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast, to banditry in the Northwest, widespread kidnappings across every region, rural militancy in Southeast, organized crime, communal violence in the North Central, and rising urban crime – even the Federal Capital is not safe any longer.

Consequently, these threats have eroded the confidence of citizens in the state’s protective capacities and stretched our security institutions to their limits.

Yet, in spite of these severe challenges, I strongly believe there exists a pathway to recovery, possible of making Nigeria secure again. With strong political will, strategic and well-coordinated reforms, adequate funding, and a revitalized security architecture, our beloved country can regain peace and restore stability.

If I were privileged to lead Nigeria as President, I would approach national security not as a routine governmental responsibility with daily sensations on media headlines, but as an urgent national rescue mission requiring total commitment and aggressive military operations.

As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, among other things, the following strategic actions would form the foundation of my comprehensive plan to rebuild and strengthen national security;

1. Declaration of a National Security State of Emergency

My first major action as President would be to declare a state of emergency on Nigeria’s security sector, signalling to Nigerians and the world that addressing insecurity is the top priority in of my administration. Doing this would allow for urgent restructuring, rapid procurement of necessary equipments and war kits, accelerated recruitment, expanded training, command unprecedented coordination among the security agencies, and swift policy reforms without such delays that typically constrain government processes.

Thereafter, I would launch an aggressive military offensive tagged Operation Sweep the Country (OPC). The OPC would be a nationwide security stabilization campaign — to clear off criminal elements across the country — aimed to decisively regain full territorial control, dismantle armed threats, and re-establishing safe civilian access to all affected communities. This would be done conducted under strict rules of engagement and command oversight.

2. 100% Salary Increase for All Security Personnel 

Behind every successful security system are well-motivated and well-compensated security operatives. Nigeria’s police officers, military, DSS, NSCDC, and intelligence officers often risk their lives daily for compensation that does not match the enormity of their duties. If I were President, one of my earliest actions would be to implement a full 100% pay rise across all security outfits in the country.

A hungry or demoralized security operative cannot defend even himself or the nation.

This salary increase would;

•Boost morale and patriotism

•Reduce vulnerability to bribery and corruption, and reduce military desertion

•Attract high-quality recruits

•Encourage discipline and professional conduct

•Make personnel less inclined to collaborate with criminal networks

Certainly, better pay fosters discipline. It reinforces loyalty, eliminates the temptation of accepting bribes, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those we trust with our collective safety.

3. Expansion of Admission Quotas in All Military and Police Institutions

It is unarguable that Nigeria’s security agencies are highly understaffed. We are short of security officers.

A secure nation need to have adequate manpower. Almost all the security institutions in Nigeria operate far below the required capacity needed for a country of over 200 million people.

To address this, I would significantly expand the admission capacity of our military and police academies. Institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, the Nigerian Army University in Biu, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the Nigerian Police Academy in Wudil would all admit larger numbers of cadets, producing more officers to meet present and future demands of personnel.

I would increase admissions by allowing approximately 100-150 additional slots per department.

To match the fast growing number of criminals and terrorists, we need more security officers — properly trained, strategically and efficiently deployed — across the nation.

This surge in trained personnel would help close the security manpower gap that is limiting nationwide operations, currently.

4. Reduction of Study Duration to 2–3 Years In All Military And Police Institutions

To accelerate the availability of trained officers for field operations, I would review and reduce the duration of academic programs in military institutions to 2–3 years, without compromising training quality.

Subject to academic and training feasibility review, this would:

•Speed up graduation

•Ensure a faster integration of officers into the field

•Reduce backlog in the chains of recruitment

The focus would shift toward intensive, practical, skill-based training relevant to modern warfare and contemporary policing, beyond mere classroom demonstrations via PowerPoint slides.

5. Introduction of Diploma Programs in Military Institutions

Not every recruit needs a full degree. In essence, to widen access and create more skilled recruits, I would introduce diploma-level programs in military and security institutions. This would create a multi-layered system where young people can choose various entry points into the defence sector, whether as technicians, intelligence analysts, engineers, or future officers.

These diploma programs would be military and security-focused, majorly in:

•Cybersecurity

•Intelligence analysis

•Counter-terrorism

•Drone technology

•Logistics and defence engineering

•Military communication systems

•Tracking and geo-location technology.

These efforts would ensure a wider pool of specialized personnel to support field operations.

6. Adoption of a Three-Semester Academic Year

Expansion of admission capacity alone is not enough. Training must also be more efficient. Therefore, I would restructure the academic programs in these institutions so that courses can be completed rapidly without compromising quality. To achieve this, an three-semester-per-year calendar would be introduced to;

•Hasten graduation;

•Produce newly trained officers more rapidly;

•Improve the flow of personnel into understaffed units;

•Enable quicker deployment of new personnel into operational fields to combat crimes and terrorism;

thereby helping Nigeria respond to urgent security needs in real time.

7. Automatic Admission for Graduates of Military And Police Secondary Schools Into Military And Police Institutions

Graduates of military and police secondary schools — who already possess discipline, foundational military orientation, and a sense of duty for policing — would be automatically eligible for admission into military and police academies, subject to meeting basic–but not too rigid–academic and physical standards. This would form a strong, reliable chain of producing security professionals.

For instance, students from schools like the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria already have foundational military training. Their progression should be seamless. Therefore, as President, I would implement automatic though merit-based admission into military and police academies for such graduates, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating a steady transformation of disciplined officers.

8. Building A Unified Electronic Security Database and Mandatory Digital Reporting Channels

Reforming security requires information, and modern security is impossible without data. Nigeria’s fragmented intelligence systems make communication slow and responses sluggish. I, as President would establish a unified electronic database accessible to all security agencies—the Army, Police, DSS, Immigration, Customs, Civil Defence, NIA, and all other intellince units.

This database would be a digital intelligence hub containing:

•Criminal records

•Biometrics of citizens

•Surveillance data

•Inter-agency reports

•Case histories

•Geospatial mapping of crime patterns

•All registered car plate numbers

In addition to this, every divisional police office would operate active social media reporting channels. It is necessary that citizens should be able to report suspicious movements or incidents of crimes quickly and directly. With digital systems where police stations have social media pages, leads can be tracked instantly, ensuring quick interventions and crime reduction.

Community-security collaboration would become a core part of intelligence gathering.

9. Provision of Modern Tracking and Geo-Location Devices And Advanced Surveillance Technology

Modern crimes require modern solutions. No matter the dedication of our security operatives, they remain ineffective without appropriate tools. For Nigeria to defeat terrorism and sophisticated crime, it must invest heavily in modern technology. As President, I would ensure that security operatives are equipped with;

•reliable emergency trackers capable of geolocating mobile phones,

•drones for surveillance,

•body cameras and,

•GPS devices for patrol units.

10. A Dedicated Percentage of National Revenue for Defence Procurement

It would be very essential to guarantee consistent funding. As such, I would allocate a fixed percentage of Nigeria’s monthly revenue exclusively for defence procurement.

This fixed percentage of monthly government revenue would specifically be used for the purchase of:

•Military hardware

•Armoured vehicles

•Assault rifles and live ammunitions

•Surveillance and counterterrorism equipment

•Communications systems

•Protective gear for operatives

This would help maintain operational readiness, ensure consistent funding, transparency, and independence from political cycles such that security budgets are being prevented from being politicized or delayed.

11. Air Support for All Major Ground Operations

One of the reasons Nigeria’s security forces suffer avoidable casualties is the absence of consistent air support during ground operations. Foot soldiers are highly vulnerable during isolated operations.

In modern warfare, air/ground cooperation is essential. If I were President of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force would accompany all significant foot operations, providing reconnaissance, air cover, and tactical support. Fighter jets, surveillance drones, and attack helicopters would work collaboratively with ground troops to achieve operational success and reduce risks and casualties and incidents of ambush.

There would be improved battlefield safety vide the provision of real-time intelligence from the Airforce.

12. Accelerated Prosecution of Terrorism-Related Cases

Terrorism cases in Nigeria often drag on for years. Justice delayed not only encourages impunity but weakens public confidence in the judicial system.

Arrested suspects of terrorism related cases shall be summarily tried and concluded within 3 months, and all appeal cases shall also be concluded within 3 months — making a maximum timeframe of six months for trials and appeals.

Additionally, I would stimulate the creation of a special division within the Court of Appeal, dedicated solely to terrorism-related cases. Decisions of that court shall be final in such cases.

This approach does not erode due process. Instead, it ensures that justice is timely and fair.

I would also stimulate constitutional amendments blocking the misuse of executive powers to grant pardons to convicted terrorists.

13. Zero Tolerance for Sabotage Within Security Agencies // Addressing Sabotage Within the Security System

The most dangerous internal threats within Nigeria’s security agencies is sabotage. Unofficial complaints from frustrated security personnel often show that those entrusted with security collaborate with criminals or leak tactical information.

To tackle this, strict legal consequences would be established for verified cases of sabotage. Security officers found guilty of aiding terrorists, leaking intelligence, or undermining operations would be treated as abettors, and if convicted by a Court Martial, would face the same punishment as the terrorists – execution.

Saboteurs in security agencies would not be merely dismissed and allowed to live in our communities, as they remain potential threats for the rest of their lives.

This policy in its entirety closes internal vulnerabilities and strengthens the integrity of the nation’s defence apparatus, ensuring a disciplined and trustworthy security architecture.

Moreso, citizens in the local communities found aiding and collaborating with, or supplying food and items to criminals would be jailed.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s security challenges are deep, complex, and multifaceted. However, they are not insurmountable.

With decisive political action, adequate funding, strong legal frameworks, modern technology, and a disciplined yet motivated security workforce, the nation can regain stability and restore public confidence. The reforms outlined above represent a bold, comprehensive approach to rebuilding national security across the territory of our country.

Nigerians deserve a nation where citizens feel safe in their homes, on their roads, and in their communities. Such a peaceful nation is possible with the right leadership and commitment, that I would give if I were the President of this great nation.

A safer Nigeria is possible! Yes!

ADAMS MUSTAPHA ITOPA

PHONE NO: 09033775773

E-MAIL: barristeradams69@gmail.com

22nd November, 2025.