Public affairs expert Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe believes Nigeria’s latest counter-terrorism success proves security forces can deliver impressive results when given adequate support. The Department of State Services recently captured five suspected terrorists, including two foreigners, highlighting what well-equipped agencies can achieve.
Speaking on Arise News Wednesday, Ughegbe acknowledged the nation faces serious security challenges. He noted that even President Bola Tinubu has voiced concerns about the deteriorating situation. ‘We must accept that our country is in deep trouble,’ he stated bluntly.
However, the activist pointed to the DSS operation as a reason for optimism. ‘This achievement shows that with proper resources and motivation, the agency can produce reliable intelligence and disrupt criminal networks,’ he explained. The operation demonstrated the ability to infiltrate terror cells, intercept communications, and stop weapon flows.
Ughegbe emphasized that intelligence gathering depends heavily on citizen cooperation. ‘DSS officers can’t read minds; they rely on information from the public,’ he said. ‘If residents notice unfamiliar people in their neighborhoods, they should quietly report it to authorities.’ He criticized public apathy, noting that many Nigerians don’t know their neighbors, allowing criminals to operate unnoticed.
The analyst also urged politicians to stop exploiting security issues for partisan gain. ‘National safety must come before political interests,’ he argued. ‘Without security, elections become meaningless. We need to unite against this common threat.’ Drawing parallels with how other nations respond to major incidents, Ughegbe called for a nonpartisan approach to tackling insecurity.