By Peace Udugba
Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called for a more diversified approach to Nigeria’s defence procurement and international security partnerships, insisting that the country must not rely on limited or strained alliances in its fight against insecurity.
He made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, while responding to concerns about Nigeria’s access to weapons amid ongoing global conflicts involving major powers such as Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Ejiofor said Nigeria still has alternative defence partners despite disruptions in global arms supply chains, noting that countries such as Turkey and China remain viable options.
According to him: “the Minister of Defence made that allegation. It’s not long since the war started. If there were orders placed, we still have other options. We can go to Turkey, China and other areas that can help us. Israel is at war with Iran, America is at war with Iran, Ukraine is at war with Russia, and these are major power blocks.”
He also questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s existing security partnerships, particularly with the United States, arguing that the impact of such collaborations has not been sufficiently visible in recent counterterrorism outcomes.
“Don’t also forget that America has been partnering with us, but I don’t seem to be seeing the effectiveness of that collaboration. After the first attack in Sokoto, we’ve not seen much in terms of activities,” he added.
Ejiofor further raised concerns over the creation of the Office of the Special Adviser on Homeland Security by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that unclear mandates could create institutional overlap and inefficiency within the country’s security architecture.
While describing the initiative as potentially innovative, he cautioned that overlapping responsibilities with the Office of the National Security Adviser could lead to administrative conflict if not clearly defined.
“I don’t know the intent of that Homeland Security office, but the President may be adopting aspects of the American system. Until the roles of the NSA and this new adviser are clearly defined, there is bound to be conflict,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity is not only about weapons but also intelligence, coordination, and strategy, adding that Nigeria must ensure its security agencies are properly structured and effective.
Ejiofor also noted that insecurity has become widespread and unpredictable, warning that even heavily protected individuals are not immune to attacks.
He urged authorities to strengthen intelligence and operational capacity rather than rely on negotiations with armed groups without clear advantage.
“The decisive thing to do is to acquire all the necessary skills to deal with these people and bring them to their knees, let them surrender, not asking them to come and surrender first,” he said.
He further questioned the logic of negotiating with criminal groups without clear state dominance, insisting that any engagement must be from a position of strength.
“We should be negotiating from a position of power, not weakness… let them surrender and face the law,” he added.
Ejiofor also advised Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially while travelling, given the prevailing insecurity across parts of the country.
“There’s too much insecurity in the country, so people should be conscious of their environment, especially when travelling, and know how to protect themselves from bandits,” he warned.
