FG inaugurates committee to review proliferation of security agencies

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to review the proliferation and rationalisation of security and para-military agencies across the country.

This is contained in a statement by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head, Information and Public Relations, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The committee is mandated to assess all existing federal, state and quasi-government security outfits, including auxiliary and specialised agencies.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who inaugurated the committee, said the initiative was part of efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and curb the rise of unaccredited quasi-security outfits.

Akume represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr Ibrahim Kana, said the development reflected government’s commitment to efficiency, accountability and improved coordination among agencies.

He said the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies had led to duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps and operational inefficiencies.

According to him, the committee’s report will provide a framework to guide government decisions on streamlining auxiliary security agencies.

Akume also said that the committee would compile an inventory of all security and para-military outfits at federal, state and quasi-government levels, and examine their legal and operational mandates.

He added that it would assess areas of overlap, evaluate the relevance of emerging outfits and review coordination mechanisms among agencies.

”The committee will also recommend reforms to enhance accountability and reduce operational redundancies,” he said.

The SGF further said that the committee would review existing frameworks, identify gaps and propose measures to ensure a more coherent and effective security system.

According to him, the panel will align the operations of agencies with national priorities and international best practices.

”The panel will also recommend policy, legal and institutional measures, including options for merger, harmonisation, reclassification or dissolution where necessary.”

He said the committee comprised representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within an approved timeframe.