FG unveils committee to review, rationalise security agencies

The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to review the proliferation and rationalisation of federal, state, and quasi-government security and para-military agencies across the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the initiative was part of efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and address the growing number of unaccredited quasi-security outfits.

Akume, who was represented at the inauguration in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said the move underscored the government’s commitment to improving efficiency, accountability, and coordination among agencies responsible for protecting lives and property.

“The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the proliferation and rationalisation of all existing federal, state, and quasi-government security and para-military agencies, including auxiliary and specialised outfits operating across the country.

“The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and curb the growing trend of unaccredited quasi-security outfits. It also reflects the government’s commitment to promoting efficiency, accountability, and improved coordination among agencies responsible for safeguarding lives and properties,” a statement by the SGF spokesman, Chris Ugwuegbulam, said.

He noted that the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies had created challenges, including duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and operational inefficiencies.

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

“The inauguration was borne out of concern over the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies, which have created challenges related to duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and inefficiencies in operations,” he said.

Akume explained that the committee would compile a comprehensive inventory of all security and para-military outfits at federal, state, and quasi-government levels, examine their legal and operational mandates, and assess areas of overlap or conflict.

He added that the panel would also evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of emerging security outfits, review coordination mechanisms among agencies, and propose reforms to enhance accountability and reduce redundancies.

The committee is further mandated to review existing frameworks, identify gaps, and recommend measures for a more coherent and effective security system aligned with national priorities and international best practices.

It is also expected to propose policy, legal, and institutional options for restructuring the agencies, including possible merger, harmonisation, reclassification, or dissolution where necessary.

Membership of the committee includes representatives of 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, chaired by the SGF, is expected to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to the Federal Government within an approved timeframe.