The Politicization of Intelligence in Nigeria: Implications for National Security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12700/jceeas.2026.6.2.489Keywords:
intelligence, Politicization, National Security, Interagency, Democratic GovernanceAbstract
Intelligence is one of the foundations of national security. It provides decision-makers with the ability to anticipate threats, identify targets, and allocate resources effectively to address such threats. However, intelligence in contemporary Nigeria has been politicized by the ruling, undermining professional efficacy of key intelligence agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other intelligence establishments under the Nigerian Police Force and resulting in the securitization of political oppositions, dissent opinions, and social protests as existential threats to justify heavy-handed responses and arbitrary surveillance. Drawing on qualitative method of data collection and analysis, the study examines the pervasive phenomenon of intelligence politicization and its impact on Nigeria’s national security architecture. The study argues that political interference on the operations of intelligence agencies in Nigeria has significantly altered the professionalism of the Nigerian intelligence community, converting them as “attack-dogs” of the ruling elites for regime protection. It further argues that the continuous focus on regime protection with little attention on national security has led to chronic intelligence failures with severe implications on the country’s national security. Ultimately, the study argues that depoliticizing intelligence is a critical prerequisite for building a resilient national security strategy capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex and evolving security landscape. The study recommends a radical restructuring of the intelligence framework, merit-based recruitment, robust legislative oversight, among others to ensure institutional autonomy and strengthen the intelligence community for enhance national security.
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