Former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro has attributed Nigeria’s worsening security challenges to inadequate funding, insufficient equipment, and a lack of sustained investment in the country’s security framework.
According to Punch Newspaper, Okiro made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the First Daily National Dialogue on Security in Abuja. He said security agencies require stronger government support and modern operational tools to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
Okiro noted that the nature of crime has evolved, making outdated policing methods ineffective. He stressed that modern policing depends on advanced technology, reliable communication systems, armoured vehicles, and specialized equipment to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and law enforcement.
“We have passed the stage of a policeman walking on the street with a baton. No more batons,” Okiro said.
He urged the government to increase investment in security infrastructure and properly equip security agencies, arguing that strengthening the operational capacity of personnel would improve efforts to address the country’s persistent security challenges.
