Follow Us on Google
By Adebowale Johnson
A Nigerian-born police officer serving in the United States has issued a passionate appeal to Nigerian authorities, urging them to reform the country’s policing and security architecture. Monday Alade, who serves in Maryland, believes Nigeria’s security failures reflect a deep-rooted systemic breakdown that demands immediate attention.
Alade cites the Baltimore City Police Department’s aerial surveillance operation as a model for Nigeria to follow. The operation, designed to deter crime and provide real-time situational awareness, showcases the effectiveness of proactive security measures. According to Alade, this approach can be replicated in Nigeria to enhance security and prevent crimes.
Alade proposes several urgent reforms to modernize Nigeria’s security approach: Establish aerial surveillance units: Equip state police commands with helicopters, drones, and night-vision imaging systems to enhance surveillance and rapid response.
Inter-agency fusion centers: Centralize intelligence coordination among security agencies to map and prevent threats.
Forward operating tactical teams: Position mobile, combat-ready teams with airlift capacity in volatile regions.
Crime heat mapping and real-time centers: Utilize AI-driven tools to forecast and prevent crime.
National airbornel law enforcement strategy: Mandate regional air surveillance units for strategic coverage.
And local intelligence and community policing: Foster anonymous, tech-enabled reporting and localized threat detection.
Alade emphasised that Nigeria’s insecurity stems from failure in strategic thinking, technology integration, and coordinated execution, rather than inadequate manpower or weapons. He urges Nigerian leaders to rise to the challenge, saying: “If cities and counties can do this, why can’t Abuja, Makurdi, Ondo, Edo, or Maiduguri?”
