The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for the arming of local communities to serve as the first line of defense against insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Ajayi emphasized the need for community-based security measures before the intervention of law enforcement agencies such as the police and military.

Citing an example from Azare, Bauchi State, where residents successfully repelled a Boko Haram attack, Ajayi argued that empowering communities to defend themselves is a practical approach to tackling insecurity.

“You do not expect the Nigerian Army, police, and SSS to protect every Nigerian—it is not going to work,” he said, stressing that security agencies should focus on larger threats like organized crime.

Ajayi proposed that the country should explore ways to enable communities to take charge of their own security, including limited armament, to strengthen local defenses. He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete actions to address insecurity.

Defence Chief Calls for Holistic Approach to Security

The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, who also spoke at the event, underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat Nigeria’s security challenges. He highlighted the complexity of threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to transnational organized crime and climate-induced conflicts.

Musa called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies and the adoption of technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead of security threats.