Navigating the Nexus of Insecurity: What Nigeria Must Do Before the 2027 Elections
- Oludare Ogunlana
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
By Dr. Oludare Ogunlana | OSRS – ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode:
Nigeria is approaching a tipping point.
The period from May to June 2025 has painted a stark picture of the national security landscape: rampant kidnappings, expanding terror networks, widespread organized crime, cross-border incursions, and a severe decline in public trust. What is unfolding is not merely a security crisis but a broader failure of governance. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the implications are profound.
As discussed in the latest episode of the OSRS Podcast, Nigeria has entered a dangerous phase of insecurity, characterized by what experts are calling a “ransom economy.” From clergy and civil servants to schoolchildren and entire communities, no demographic is untouched. Criminal networks have become highly organized and technologically enabled, using encrypted messaging and social media for coordination and propaganda. Terror groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram are not only expanding their territorial reach but also adopting more sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones.
Despite an unprecedented ₦4.91 trillion allocation for national security in 2025, outcomes have not matched expectations. The central issue is not insufficient funding but rather systemic deficiencies in strategic planning, inter-agency coordination, and accountability. Intelligence agencies function in isolation, law enforcement institutions are weakened by corruption, and military personnel face low morale due to poor welfare conditions.
At the same time, public frustration is reaching new heights. Peaceful protests, civil unrest, and growing cynicism reflect a population increasingly alienated from those tasked with protecting them.
Learning from Global Precedents
Nations such as Colombia, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines have confronted similarly complex security threats. Their successes were rooted not solely in military force, but in comprehensive reforms—strengthening local law enforcement, enhancing community engagement, instituting justice sector reforms, and investing in preventive measures.
Strategic Priorities for Nigeria
To achieve meaningful progress and ensure stability ahead of the 2027 elections, the following measures are critical:
The modernization and integration of Nigeria’s fragmented intelligence community to enable effective and timely information sharing.
A complete overhaul of the police recruitment process, emphasizing transparency, merit-based selection, and professional development.
Substantial improvements in military welfare, including timely remuneration, adequate equipment, and psychological support for frontline personnel.
The deployment of financial intelligence tools to trace and disrupt ransom payment networks.
The revitalization of regional security partnerships and cross-border cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Protection of civic space and democratic freedoms, ensuring citizens can express dissent and engage in dialogue without fear of repression.
Robust investment in socio-economic development, including education, job creation, and peacebuilding initiatives in at-risk communities.
OSRS: A Strategic Partner for Security and Governance
At ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS), we are committed to supporting governments, agencies, and institutions in building resilient security frameworks. Through strategic advisory, intelligence analysis, digital forensics, and executive training, OSRS helps transform policy into practice.
To transition from reactive responses to proactive solutions, OSRS stands ready to partner with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
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