Sir Chikwe Udensi, a seasoned security expert and former Interpol Systems Consultant, and a prominent political figure in Nigeria, has sounded the alarm over the systemic failures crippling the nation’s security architecture. He cited poor leadership, underfunding, and the neglect of international security tools as major contributors to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a recent interview on Naija Unfiltered by Symfoni, Udensi revealed that key law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, and EFCC, are failing to leverage internationally recognized systems, such as the INTERPOL I-24/7 global database. This system, widely used worldwide, tracks criminals, stolen identities, and escaped prisoners. According to Udensi, neglecting it has created critical loopholes that allow criminal elements to infiltrate security agencies.
He also criticized the recruitment and security clearance process, highlighting that officers are often hired without thorough background checks. “If you allow criminals to enforce the law, what do you expect?” he warned. Udensi added that political appointments in security agencies are often based on loyalty rather than competence, leaving top positions in the hands of individuals lacking the technical expertise required for national security.
On the issue of personnel welfare, Udensi painted a stark picture of the plight of non-commissioned officers, who earn between ₦113,000 and ₦170,000 per month despite decades of service. He noted that low wages, poor equipment, and lack of standardization undermine professionalism and increase officers’ vulnerability to corruption. Many officers, he revealed, are forced to purchase their own uniforms and equipment, further weakening operational effectiveness.
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Udensi also disclosed that Nigeria is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa not using the international stolen vehicle database, making it a potential haven for stolen cars. He emphasized that this neglect, combined with underfunded police divisions and overworked officers, has directly contributed to the rise in crime nationwide.
He concluded that without urgent reforms—including proper funding, adoption of global security databases, professional specialization, and improved welfare for officers—Nigeria’s security system will continue to fail, leaving citizens increasingly exposed to crime and insecurity.
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