President Tinubu: Why Is the DSS and Police Disgracing Your Administration Globally with Daily or Even Hourly Abductions, Kidnappings, Killings, and Ransom Payments? -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Mr. President, it is evident that the Department of State Services (DSS)  and the police are facing a crisis of confidence from the Nigerian populace. The constant abductions, kidnappings, killings, and ransom payments have eroded the faith citizens have in these agencies. The question remains: how will your administration address this loss of trust and credibility in these vital institutions?

Mr. President, as a psychologist and a police scientist, I find myself compelled to pose a pressing question that not only echoes in the minds of countless Nigerians but reverberates globally: Why, in the face of your leadership, do the security agencies entrusted with safeguarding our nation seem to falter continually, allowing a disheartening wave of abductions, kidnappings, killings, and ransom payments to engulf our beloved country?

Your Excellency, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force are, by design and mandate, the pillars of internal security. They are the bedrock upon which our nation’s stability and the protection of our citizens should rest. However, their recent performance has raised serious doubts about their ability to fulfill these critical roles.

Let us explore this conundrum further. The DSS, tasked with counter-intelligence, internal security, counter-terrorism, and investigating serious crimes against the state, has seemingly veered off course. Instead of prioritizing national security, there are concerns that it has become entangled in political matters, acting in a manner more aligned with political interests than the well-being of the nation. This includes alleged monitoring and leaking of private conversations of opposition politicians, a disconcerting deviation from its core responsibilities.

Moreover, the DSS appears to be overwhelmed by the surge in insecurity, notably the escalating incidents of banditry, abductions, and killings. It begs the question, is the agency more preoccupied with regime protection than addressing pressing security challenges? The trust deficit between the agency and the Nigerian populace is growing by the day, necessitating urgent intervention.

Now, let’s shift the spotlight to the Nigeria Police Force, a pivotal law enforcement agency. The police should serve as the frontline defenders of our society, preventing and responding to crimes. However, the reality paints a different picture. Daily, we witness kidnappings in broad daylight, criminals brazenly storming urban towns from their forest hideouts, and innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Every now and then, efforts by the police to salvage their reputation by issuing statements to the media claiming the ‘rescue’ of victims end up backfiring. Surviving victims openly declare that the police played no role in their release and that they were compelled to pay ransom. Even when the police occasionally succeed in rescuing victims, the public remains skeptical, given their chronic history of dishonesty or premature claims that are later contradicted.

Oga Tinubu, it is only fitting to ask: Why do these police and security agencies appear ill-prepared and ill-equipped to confront these relentless criminal elements? The very essence of their existence is to protect us, yet kidnappers seem to strike with impunity, leaving despair and chaos in their wake.

Mr. President, it is an undeniable fact that the DSS and the police play significant roles in maintaining law and order within the country. The DSS, often referred to as the “secret police,” is expected to carry out its operations with utmost discretion and efficiency. Meanwhile, both the DSS and police officers are often equipped with camouflage attire, which should enable them to operate in various environments, including forests and bushes.

However, the current wave of kidnappings and abductions paints a worrying picture. These criminals roam freely on our roads, infiltrate homes, highways, and then retreat into the safety of the bush and forest. It begs the question: why aren’t the DSS and police, especially those equipped for night operations, actively infiltrating these areas?

The responsibility falls not only on the officers on the ground but also on the leadership of these agencies. Mr. President, the Nigerian people are eager to know why these security forces, from the highest-ranking officials to the least officer, are not proactively engaged in securing the areas where these criminals operate with impunity.

The time for decisive action is now. The DSS and police should be at the forefront, utilizing their training, camouflage attire, and expertise to infiltrate these criminal hideouts and bring an end to this reign of terror. The people demand answers and a swift response to restore security and confidence in their government and security forces.

As a psychologist, I understand the importance of addressing the root causes of these security challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and socioeconomic disparities undoubtedly contribute to the desperation that fuels criminal activities. However, it is equally imperative that the DSS and the police rise to the occasion, employ comprehensive strategies, and restore faith in their ability to secure our nation.

Your Excellency, the dissatisfaction and frustration stemming from the constant wave of abductions, kidnappings, killings, and ransom payments are palpable among Nigerians. They are left wondering whether these security agencies are still serving their intended purposes or have become obsolete in the face of evolving threats and challenges.

Your Excellency, the urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. The safety, security, and psychological well-being of our citizens hang in the balance. It is my sincere hope that your leadership will catalyze a rigorous examination of these agencies and the determination to ensure that they align with the evolving needs of our great nation. The time for change may be upon us, and the future of Nigeria depends on the actions we take to secure it.

The systemic and institutional issues within the police and security apparatus are akin to a disease, as they often prioritize the rule of man over the rule of law. This situation necessitates significant reforms. Establishing impartially tasked independent police complaints authorities with the authority to investigate instances of misconduct is essential. Additionally, exploring alternative models of policing, such as state-like policing or contracting private and foreign investigative outfits, could help address deficiencies in domestic intelligence gathering. Moreover, restructuring agencies like the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police to focus more on federal-level political and diplomatic functions could enhance their effectiveness in providing security for Nigerians. Over the past eight years, these agencies have failed in their duty to safeguard domestic intelligence, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability.

Mr. President, as we delve deeper into this disconcerting issue, it becomes increasingly evident that the Nigerian populace is questioning the very essence and efficacy of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. It compels us to consider whether it might be time to reevaluate their roles and perhaps contemplate their replacement. This leads us to a pivotal question: Is it time to reevaluate the structure, training, and capabilities of the DSS and the police? Are they sufficiently agile and well-equipped to combat the dynamic and multifaceted threats facing our nation?

President, while no one takes the decision to replace or reform a security agency lightly, it is essential to consider whether our current agencies can meet the demands of the 21st century. If they are unable to do so, it may be time to explore alternative approaches, including restructuring.

As a psychologist, I am inclined to consider the psychological impact on the citizens of a nation that consistently witnesses such horrific events. The pervasive fear, anxiety, and mistrust that permeate our society erode the very fabric of our nation. It is not just a matter of physical safety but also the psychological well-being of our people that is at stake.

The mention of human rights activist Aisha Yesufu prompts reflection on her advocacy for the vulnerable and silenced members of society. Yesufu’s critique of the Department of State Services (DSS) and law enforcement agencies, labeling the DSS as the least effective security agency in Nigeria, raises critical questions about their performance. She emphasizes that while the DSS seems proactive in handling planned protests, it falls short in addressing significant security threats such as terrorism and kidnapping. Moreover, Yesufu’s remarks underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability within security institutions. Citizens like Yesufu should not fear expressing their views or championing human rights. Ensuring their protection and fostering open dialogue are imperative for our government. As President, it is essential to be committed to addressing the concerns raised by Aisha Yesufu and countless others who share similar apprehensions about the performance of the DSS and other security agencies.

Additionally, what measures will your administration take to foster an environment where freedom of expression and peaceful activism are respected and protected, and where security agencies prioritize the safety of all Nigerians over political considerations?

Mr. President, heeding the voices of human rights advocates and justice proponents is paramount for fostering a more secure, just, and democratic Nigeria. Their perspectives offer valuable insights that can guide policymaking and institutional reform.

Moreover, we must acknowledge the possibility that our security agencies, despite their historical significance, may be ill-suited to confront modern-day security challenges. Criminal tactics have evolved, necessitating a corresponding evolution in our security strategies and structures.

Your Excellency, the pertinent question arises: do these agencies possess the necessary democratic ethos among their personnel and leadership to address not just immediate security concerns, but also the psychological wounds inflicted upon Nigerians? It’s not merely a matter of physical security, but also about restoring peace and instilling confidence in the government’s capacity to safeguard its citizens.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu