Insecurity driven by asymmetric warfare, intelligence gaps — Ondo NSCDC Commandant

Despite sustained security operations, kidnapping and other violent crimes remain major concerns in Ondo State and across the South-West. In this interview with PETER DADA, the Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye, explains why insecurity persists, the role of local informants in aiding criminals, and why he believes state policing could strengthen the fight against crime

There is widespread fear across the South-West over the worsening security situation. This appears to be unprecedented. What, in your view, is the root cause of the problem?

Security issues are evolving. At different times in our lives, we have faced different security challenges. There was a time in this country when the major issue was armed robbery. You travel at night and armed robbers block the road. That seems to be dying down now. There is less armed robbery in the country today. These criminals are evolving; it is almost like innovation. No society is completely free of crime. For example, I was in Singapore at the Singapore Aviation Academy on a study tour. In 2017–2018, they told us Singapore was one of the safest countries at the time. I asked the tour guide a question: if it is the safest, why do they have a prison? That’s because they took us to their prison. You discover that, yes, it is a place where you can travel at night. You see people walking around and even using their phones at night. If you do that in some areas in Nigeria, your phone will likely be snatched. So, different locations have different security challenges. What we are experiencing now started with farmer–herder conflict. In the past, cattle would stray into farms, leading to clashes between farmers and herdsmen. That was relatively mild. However, it has now evolved into kidnapping for ransom. Those involved have realized that this has become a more lucrative “business” than grazing cattle. They now kidnap innocent citizens and demand ransom. It is quite unfortunate. As a certified protection officer, you would observe that for a crime to occur, there must be opportunity. Opportunity must exist. The crime scene must be accessible. Let me give an example: if you pass in front of a house and see that the door is open, and you can clearly see that no one is inside, a criminal may see that as an opportunity to steal. However, no matter how open the door is, or how exposed valuables may be, if someone is present and monitoring the place, the criminal will think carefully before acting.

As a security expert, what do you think could be our home-grown solution?

For those of us in security practice, we often propose a multi-layered protection mechanism. For example, in a facility, you may have a perimeter fence. Within that fence, you have CCTV cameras. Inside the premises, you install reinforced security doors that are difficult to break into. You also have lighting around windows and key areas. Even if someone manages to breach these layers, valuables can still be secured in safes. There is usually a pattern to security challenges. If we are able to effectively address the current issue of kidnapping for ransom, I believe that over time this phase will pass. In other countries, security challenges also evolve. For instance, school shootings were not always common in some of these societies, but they have become an emerging trend. Similarly, knife attacks and other forms of violence have evolved in those environments. Even in warfare, strategies have changed. Protection of critical national assets and infrastructure has become a major target, while attacks on such infrastructure have also become a form of warfare. Cyberattacks are now a major dimension of conflict. In the Russia-Ukraine war, for example, critical infrastructure has been targeted by both sides. There have been attacks on power infrastructure and other strategic assets. These are evolving global security dynamics.

But it was gathered that connivance of locals is impeding the efforts of security agencies. What is your take on this?

You are absolutely correct. Not too long ago, in Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, there were constant attacks and kidnappings that led to protests by residents. We have discovered that such criminal activities cannot thrive without the connivance of some local people. In Ilu Abo, and even in Imafon, many of the victims were people perceived to have means or financial capacity, and locals often helped identify them. Some of those arrested have confessed to this. This pattern is not limited to one area. From Kogi to Edo, across the East and North, and even in conflicts involving groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS, there are often local collaborators who provide information and support to criminal elements. No criminal group operates without intelligence. For example, we recently arrested a kidnapper alongside someone who cultivated Indian hemp. During interrogation, it was discovered that the hemp planter was acting as an informant for kidnappers. Since kidnappers operate mainly from forests and move through farms, such individuals have access to information about movement and terrain. While I may not want to discuss operational details, I can give an example. During an investigation in a particular area, an informant revealed that a certain individual regularly delivered food to kidnappers. These individuals often serve as logistics support. Kidnappers cannot survive in the bush without food supplies. Some also rely on narcotics, which are supplied by contacts within communities. Most of them rarely come out, but occasionally they are seen, identified by locals, and arrested. As you rightly pointed out, many criminal activities are sustained through the connivance of local collaborators.

How do you tackle this?

Yes, we are tackling some of these issues. Like I said, I want to be careful not to discuss our strategies in the media. However, we have encouraged most communities in Ondo State to develop their own local security arrangements. We have vigilantes and local enforcement groups, and we are working in close collaboration with traditional rulers. As I mentioned earlier, traditional rulers are the chief security officers of their communities. I must confess that some of them have been very cooperative in this regard. They know their people and understand the terrain very well, and this has helped in our collaboration. We also have personnel deployed not only from the NSCDC but also from the DSS, the Nigerian Police, the Amotekun Corps, and the Nigerian Army. Our intelligence officers have been able to gather credible information.

What is your view about the state police bill that has just been passed by the National Assembly?

Well, I must say this is not the view of the NSCDC as an institution; it is my personal opinion. In other climes, for example in the United States, you have county police. When I was a guest of the California National Guard, I met some of those county police officers, and they do quite a lot. I must confess that this is a positive development. The strength of Nigeria’s central security agencies cannot fully cover every local area effectively. For example, we have had close collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, which operates like a local policing structure, and we have been able to solve quite a number of cases through joint operations. We have also recorded successes working with the police and the DSS. The truth is that we need local intelligence and community collaboration in the fight against crime, because local actors understand the terrain better. That is why Amotekun has been effective in addressing crimes within local communities. So, to a large extent, we have recorded significant progress in that regard. Personally, I believe state police will be helpful.

Some are calling on the government to grant citizens licences to carry firearms, arguing that this could curb attacks on innocent people. Do you subscribe to that?

You will observe that even in countries where firearms are legal, there is still a strong call for strict regulation and control. In some cases, there are even calls for licences to be withdrawn because of misuse. Firearms are very dangerous. Within a split second, a person can take multiple lives. Security personnel undergo extensive training, and that training is continuous. The military, for example, goes to the shooting range once or twice a year, and we also undergo regular training. If firearms are widely licensed to civilians, individuals who cannot control their emotions may misuse them. In the military and paramilitary services, there are clear rules of engagement that guide the use of force. Even in countries where firearms are legal, we still see cases where husbands kill wives, wives kill husbands, neighbours kill neighbours, and even siblings kill each other. I recently saw a video where two individuals had an altercation and one simply pulled out a gun and shot the other. So, I do not think we are ready for that at this time.

Can you share your achievements since you came on board in Ondo State as Commandant?

For every security agency, the core responsibility is the protection of lives and property. In fulfilling this mandate, other supporting responsibilities also arise. I assumed office on January 9, 2024, and since then, we have hit the ground running and brought relative sanity to several sectors.

For example, in the protection of pipelines and the fight against oil bunkering in the state, we have, in collaboration with other security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army, reduced incidents to the barest minimum. Ondo State used to be a transit point for stolen petroleum products. Following the directive of President Bola Tinubu on zero tolerance for oil theft and pipeline vandalism, we have deployed resources to ensure significant reduction in these activities. In close collaboration with relevant security agencies, we have also checked various forms of criminality across the state. As you know, security threats are constantly evolving. Today, what we are grappling with is kidnapping for ransom. Security is dynamic. In the past, issues such as suicide bombings were not common in Nigeria, but today we have seen such threats emerge. As security professionals, we understand that as one challenge is addressed, another may emerge, as criminals continuously adapt to outsmart security agencies. Kidnapping for ransom remains a major concern, but I must state that Ondo State is still one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. This is due to the strong collaboration and synergy among security agencies. We have a platform known as the Heads of Security Agencies Forum, which has strengthened coordination and response.

With all the efforts you are talking about, we still have cases of kidnapping almost every day in the state. Is it difficult for security agencies to tackle them?

Do not forget that what we are currently dealing with is asymmetric warfare. It is different from conventional warfare. In conventional warfare, it is army against army, equipment against equipment, in a defined operational space where strength can be tested. However, in asymmetric warfare, criminals observe you and strike when you are least prepared. When you are guarding certain points, they avoid those areas and move to locations where security presence is weak or absent. As you know, security agencies cannot be everywhere at the same time. That is why we have consistently called on citizens across Ondo State and indeed all Nigerians to provide credible intelligence to help us effectively tackle criminal activities. I also want you to understand that for every case reported in the media, there are many successes that are not reported.

How many suspects have you arrested, prosecuted, or convicted since you came on board?

To a large extent, we have secured several convictions. We have also arrested a significant number of suspects involved in crimes ranging from kidnapping, theft, and armed robbery to sexual abuse, violence, rape, and other offences. Since we came on board, we have worked to restore sanity to the state. Not too long ago, the Nigerian Navy handed over some suspects to us, and they have since been charged to court and are currently attending hearings. We are also collaborating with private security companies in the fight against oil theft.

Can we have the specific number?

Yes. Over the past two and a half years — from January 2024 to June 2026 — we received 6,400 reported cases at the command. We have arrested a total of 13,778 suspects for various offences. So far, 21 cases have resulted in convictions, while 37 cases are still ongoing in court.

What role does technology play in the fight against insecurity in the state?

Technology plays a very significant role. For individuals and corporate organisations seeking security deployment, we always advise that beyond physical security, they should adopt digital security systems. Even within my own premises, we have deployed CCTV cameras and other digital surveillance systems. In addition, we use drones — though they are low-capacity drones — to support our operations. These tools help us in two key ways: they enhance surveillance and help prevent our personnel from walking into ambushes in difficult terrains. We deploy drones during operations to monitor movement and track suspected criminals. Given the vast landmass and extensive forest areas in Ondo State, it is impossible to deploy enough personnel everywhere. However, there are operational details we do not discuss publicly in the media.