Author(s) :

IGAH Sunday, Caleb Okpe.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Nigeria faces complex security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, which threaten national stability and public safety. The effectiveness of security policy is heavily dependent on the strategic use of intelligence gathering to anticipate, prevent, and respond to these threats. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, relying on secondary data from academic publications, official reports, and policy documents to examine how intelligence informs national security policy in Nigeria. The study adopts the system theory as its theoretical framework. Findings indicate that intelligence gathering plays a critical role in shaping proactive and reactive security measures, informing operational decisions, resource allocation, inter-agency coordination, and crisis management. Examples from counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and regional intelligence-sharing initiatives highlight the strategic value of intelligence. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, including inter-agency rivalry, limited technological capacity, human resource constraints, political interference, and inadequate funding, which reduce the effectiveness of intelligence in supporting security policy. The study concludes that intelligence is indispensable for national security but requires robust administrative structures, enhanced coordination, adequate resources, and stakeholder cooperation to maximise its impact. Recommendations emphasise government, agencies, communities, and international partners’ roles in strengthening intelligence-led security policy. Keywords: Administration, Banditry, Coordination, Intelligence, National Security, Policy, Nigeria

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