15 Security Agencies in Nigeria & Their Roles
Security agencies in Nigeria are one of the crucial frameworks for the development and growth of the society. It is important to understand their responsibilities in keeping you safe, the criteria to assess their effectiveness, and how you can harness such benefits.
What is a security agency?
A security agency is a governmental organization responsible for activities related to intelligence and the internal security of a country or nation. These agencies are often viewed as the domestic counterparts to foreign intelligence agencies. Security agencies typically engage in counterintelligence efforts to prevent foreign nations from carrying out intelligence operations within their borders.
Security Agencies in Nigeria.
- State Security Service (SSS)
- National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- The Nigerian Armed Forces
- The Nigerian Army
- The Nigerian Navy
- The Nigerian Air Force
- The Nigeria Police Force
- The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) is the same as Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS)
- Nigeria Immigration Service
- Nigeria Customs Service
- Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The State Security Service
The State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), is Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency. Agents within the agency are equipped with firearms featuring a .22 LR scope, as well as chains and locks, which are standard components of their uniform.
The SSS is primarily tasked with gathering intelligence and information within Nigeria, particularly focusing on the protection of high-ranking government officials, such as the President and state Governors. The agency was established following the dissolution of the National Security Organization (NSO) in 1986, making it one of three successor organizations to the NSO. The SSS operates under the control of the National Security Adviser and functions as a department within the presidency.
The roles of the State Security Service (SSS) are as follows:
- To protect and defend the country against domestic threats.
- To uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria.
- To provide leadership and services related to criminal justice at both the federal and state law enforcement levels.
- To protect government officials, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Governors, and their immediate families.
- To safeguard other high-ranking government officials, such as former presidents and their spouses, certain candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, and visiting foreign heads of state and government.
- The SSS must continuously adapt its roles in response to evolving security threats in Nigeria, including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is a Nigerian government agency tasked with overseeing foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations.Â
The NIA was established following the dissolution of the National Security Organization (NSO) and the subsequent restructuring of the country’s security services. This change occurred in June 1986 when Decree Number 19 was issued, fulfilling one of the promises made by President Ibrahim Babangida during his national address.
In addition to the NIA, the Office of the Co-ordinator of National Security also includes the State Security Service (SSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), which is responsible for military intelligence.
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) is the primary military intelligence agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Established in 1986, the DIA is responsible for effectively gathering military intelligence for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.
The functions of the DIA include:
- Promoting Nigeria’s Defence Policy
- Enhancing military cooperation with other countries
- Protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens
- Maintaining the territorial integrity of Nigeria
The head of the DIA is the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), who is appointed by the President of the country.
The Nigerian Armed Forces
The Nigerian Armed Forces are the military forces of Nigeria. Their origins trace back to the Royal West African Frontier Force, which transitioned to a Nigerian national army following the country’s independence in 1960.
Activities of the Nigerian Armed ForcesÂ
Since their establishment, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been involved in various military engagements and activities, including:
1. The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): The military fought against Biafra during this conflict.
2. Peacekeeping Missions: Nigeria has sent peacekeeping forces abroad, serving as a key contributor to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia.
3. Military Coups: The Nigerian military has seized power twice in the country, in 1966 and 1983.
Roles of the Nigerian Armed Forces
The primary responsibilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces include:
– Defending the country against external aggression.
– Maintaining the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
– Securing Nigeria’s borders from violations by land, sea, or air, which involves using firearms such as 9mm handguns and AR-15 rifles.
– Suppressing insurrection and assisting civil authorities in restoring order when authorized by the President, in accordance with conditions set forth by an Act of the National Assembly.
– Performing additional functions as prescribed by legislation passed by the National Assembly.
The Nigerian Army (NA) is the land branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces and is the largest division among the military services.
The Nigerian Navy
The Nigerian Navy (NN) is the naval branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Its structure includes a naval headquarters located in Abuja, along with three operational commands based in Lagos, Calabar, and Bayelsa.Â
Training facilities are distributed across the country, but the headquarters for the Training Command is situated in Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force
The Nigerian Air Force was established in January 1964 with technical assistance from West Germany. Initially, it began as a transport unit, with its aircrew receiving training in Pakistan, Canada, and Ethiopia. It was not until 1966, when several MiG-17 fighter jets were provided by the Soviet Union, that the air force gained its combat capability.
The Nigeria Police Force
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1820 with the primary objective of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens, preventing crime, and enforcing the law.
With over 371,800 personnel, the NPF often faces challenges regarding the level of funding available to effectively carry out its duties. The organization is led by an Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The NPF consists of two main departments:Â
1. Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID): This is the NPF’s highest branch for criminal investigations. It is responsible for looking into and prosecuting major and complex crimes both within Nigeria and internationally. The FCID is led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), who oversees criminal investigations across the NPF.
2. Police Mobile Force (MOPOL): Established as an anti-riot and special operations unit, MOPOL is deployed to manage large-scale crises when conventional police units are unable to cope.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1964 with the primary goal of safeguarding the country against both internal and external threats.Â
Despite some differing opinions, the organization boasts over 170,000 members across various divisions, including disaster management, maritime security, and aviation security.Â
Initially founded during the Nigerian Civil War to protect and educate the public, the organization adopted the name NSCDC in 1970 and became recognized as a national security agency in 1984. A significant reorganization in 1988 led to the establishment of commands throughout the country, including in Abuja. One of the NSCDC’s key responsibilities is preventing pipeline vandalism.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1988. It was founded as a paramilitary organization by Nigeria’s 1988 constitution, specifically under Decree Number 45. One of its primary responsibilities is to oversee, control, and coordinate all aspects of road traffic and safety management.
The FRSC is responsible for managing and administering road safety across Nigeria’s states and the Federal Capital Territory. Its duties include preventing or reducing traffic accidents, removing obstacles from highways, and educating the public on safe highway usage, including drivers, motorists, and other road users. The agency also sets criteria that applicants must meet to obtain a driver’s license, creates and manufactures license plates for vehicles, and works to standardize highway traffic laws.
Additional responsibilities include providing timely medical treatment to accident victims, investigating the causes of auto accidents, developing strategies to prevent them, and using research findings to establish and enforce speed limits for various types of roads and vehicles. The FRSC also manages the application of speed-limiting devices, regulates the use of beacon lights, sirens, and flashers on vehicles (excluding those used by ambulances, the military, police, fire departments, and other paramilitary groups), and offers free medical care to accident victims at roadside and mobile clinics.
Furthermore, the FRSC regulates driver behaviour, including the use of mobile phones while driving, enforces the use of seat belts and other safety equipment, oversees motorcyclist activities on public roads, and manages the validity period of driver’s licenses.
Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS)
The Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1861. Its primary aim is to successfully reintegrate convicts into society by fostering long-lasting changes in their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs.Â
On August 15, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari officially renamed the organization from the Nigerian Prisons Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service.Â
The NCoS is an integral part of the Criminal Justice System and operates under the Ministry of Interior. It is responsible for the lawful custody of individuals who have been certified for detention by courts with competent jurisdiction. Additionally, the NCoS brings suspects and convicts before the courts as required, identifies the underlying reasons for their antisocial behavior, and develops reform plans to help them become law-abiding members of society upon their release.
Nigeria Immigration Service
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1963. It is responsible for overseeing immigration within the country. The agency was separated from the Nigerian Police Force and granted full authority over the issuance of travel documents, including Nigerian passports.
According to Section 2 of the Immigration Act of 2015, the NIS has several important responsibilities. These include regulating who enters and exits Nigeria and providing legitimate Nigerians, both domestically and abroad, with travel documentation such as passports. Additionally, the NIS grants foreign nationals permission to reside in Nigeria, conducts patrols and surveillance at borders, enforces applicable laws and regulations, and carries out any paramilitary tasks that may be assigned to them by the Act or other relevant legislation, whether within or outside Nigeria.
Nigeria Customs Service
The Nigeria Customs Service is a security agency in Nigeria, established in 1891. This agency is responsible for collecting taxes, facilitating trade both domestically and internationally, combating smuggling, and overseeing security operations. The service is led by a comptroller general, who is supported by six deputy comptroller generals.
The Nigeria Customs Service performs several important duties, including:
– Revenue collection (import/excise duties and other taxes/levies)
– Implementing counter-smuggling initiatives
– Ensuring security features
– Producing data for planning and budgeting purposes
– Monitoring the use of foreign exchange
– Conducting research
– Developing plans and implementing government fiscal policies
– Processing manifests
– Licensing and registering customs agents
– Designating and registering institutions that collect customs duties
– Collaborating with other governmental organizations at authorized ports and borders.
Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a security agency established in 1989. It is responsible for drug policy and control in Nigeria. The Agency’s mandate is to reduce the illegal production, importation, exportation, sale, and trafficking of psychoactive substances. NDLEA aims to achieve this by stopping the supply of illegal drugs and holding suppliers accountable, while also decreasing the demand for illegal drugs and other substances of abuse. Additionally, the Agency focuses on tracking down and recovering drug-related proceeds through effective drug law enforcement. The ultimate goal of the NDLEA is to fully eradicate illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances using all available resources.