Security Oversight Blunder: NSCDC Chief’s Exclusion from Vital Senate Meeting -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In response to the escalating security crisis gripping the nation, the Senate recently convened a critical meeting to engage top security officials and government ministers. This unprecedented move, involving the suspension of all business on Tuesday’s Order Paper, underscores the gravity and urgency of the nation’s security situation. However, the absence of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raises profound concerns about the effectiveness and inclusivity of the dialogue.

As widely reported in the media, Commandant General Audi’s name was notably absent from the list of attendees, indicating a significant oversight regarding the NSCDC’s indispensable role in safeguarding lives, properties, and critical infrastructure nationwide. It’s worth noting that my concern is not solely for Commandant General Audi, nor any individual, but rather for the sound approaches to addressing real security and law enforcement issues. While political appointees contribute to policy formulation and coordination, Commandant General Audi’s direct oversight of the NSCDC’s operational activities carries unique significance in ensuring community safety.

The NSCDC’s mandate extends beyond rhetoric; it encompasses critical tasks such as protecting infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and maintaining peace. Commandant General Audi’s understanding of operational challenges and resource requirements is pivotal in shaping national security strategies. Therefore, his exclusion from the Senate meeting undermines the breadth and depth of the discussion, hindering the formulation of comprehensive security solutions.

In times of heightened insecurity, inclusivity is paramount. Commandant General Audi’s absence overlooks the practical insights and experience he brings to the table, thereby diminishing the credibility of the dialogue. While political figures lend political weight to discussions, operational leaders like Audi offer grounded perspectives essential for effective decision-making in security matters.

The anomaly in Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s absence from the meeting underscores the importance of recognizing operational leaders alongside political appointees in matters of national security. While Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo oversees the Ministry of Interior, under which the NSCDC operates, it is unconventional for an operational commander like Audi to be excluded from discussions of this nature.

Comparable figures, such as the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services, were present at the Senate meeting, underscoring the significance of operational leadership. Commandant General Audi’s past participation in security meetings further emphasizes his relevance. His exclusion raises questions about decision-making processes and underscores the need to recognize operational leaders alongside political appointees in security matters.

Furthermore, it is crucial to underscore that the exclusion of Commandant General Audi should not be rooted in personal biases or perceptions. Regardless of individual opinions on his character, the functions performed by the NSCDC must be comprehensively acknowledged as fundamental to the bedrock of national security. The Senate’s decision to bypass Audi’s attendance in favor of inviting political figures prompts a profound reassessment of the underlying priorities and efficacy of the security discourse. While the inclusion of ministers may lend political weight to the dialogue, it is imperative to acknowledge that their roles predominantly revolve around political agendas, unlike Audi, whose role as an operational leader offers a distinctly pragmatic perspective and expertise.

The NSCDC’s indispensable role in upholding security mandates necessitates the direct engagement of Commandant General Audi in high-level discussions. As an organization empowered with law enforcement jurisdiction across the nation, the NSCDC’s operational functions serve as the linchpin of national security infrastructure. The exclusion of Audi not only discounts the NSCDC’s invaluable contributions but also undermines the depth and efficacy of security deliberations.

Looking ahead, it is imperative to institutionalize the NSCDC’s integral involvement in all security-related deliberations, spanning the spectrum from presidential forums to legislative assemblies and other strategic platforms. The NSCDC’s sprawling network of operations and commands, spanning diverse geographical zones, underscores its indispensable role in fostering and preserving peace and security. Its multifaceted responsibilities, encompassing the protection of lives, properties, and critical infrastructure such as pipelines, underscore the organization’s irreplaceable contribution to the nation’s security fabric.

In essence, the exclusion of Commandant General Audi from critical security deliberations signifies not merely a procedural oversight but a systemic deficiency in recognizing the pivotal role of operational leadership in shaping comprehensive security strategies. To rectify this lapse, it is imperative for decision-makers at the highest echelons, including the presidency, the legislature, and other strategic platforms, to recalibrate their approach and ensure the steadfast inclusion of operational leaders like Commandant General Audi. Only through such concerted efforts can Nigeria forge a path towards a more secure, resilient, and prosperous future.

Moving forward, it is imperative to ensure the NSCDC’s inclusion in all security-related discussions. The NSCDC’s extensive network, coupled with its multifaceted functions encompassing crisis management, disaster response, and protection of critical infrastructure, underscores its paramount importance in safeguarding national security. Commandant General Audi’s exclusion from the Senate meeting highlights a significant lapse in recognizing operational expertise and underscores the necessity for inclusive and informed security dialogues to address Nigeria’s security challenges democratically and effectively. Incorporating the perspectives and insights of operational leaders like Commandant General Audi is essential for developing holistic and effective security strategies that address the diverse and complex security threats confronting Nigeria.

To prevent such oversights in the future, it is essential for the President, the Senate President, and the Speaker to prioritize the inclusion of operational leaders like Commandant General Audi in all security-related meetings. Recognizing the indispensable role of institutions like the NSCDC and their operational leaders is paramount for developing robust and effective security strategies that resonate with the ground realities of Nigeria’s security landscape. By ensuring the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including those directly responsible for operational security, in security discussions, Nigeria can foster inclusive and informed decision-making processes that lead to tangible improvements in its security architecture.

In conclusion, Commandant General Audi’s exclusion from the critical Senate meeting underscores the need for inclusive and informed security dialogues in Nigeria. Acknowledging the indispensable role of operational leaders and institutions like the NSCDC is essential for developing comprehensive security strategies that promote stability, prosperity, and resilience in a developing society striving to overcome its security challenges. By prioritizing inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate the expertise and insights of operational leaders, Nigeria can forge a path towards a more secure and resilient future.

John Egbeazien Oshodi 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