The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to review the proliferation and rationalization of all existing federal, state, and quasi-government security and paramilitary agencies, including auxiliary and specialised outfits operating across the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, while inaugurating the committee on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, said the initiative is part of efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and curb the growing trend of unaccredited quasi-security outfits.
It also reflects the government’s commitment to promoting efficiency, accountability, and improved coordination among agencies responsible for safeguarding lives and property.
The SGF, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the move was driven by concerns over the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies, which have led to duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and operational inefficiencies.
He added that the committee’s report will serve as a framework to guide government decisions on streamlining auxiliary security agencies in the country.
According to him, the committee will compile an inventory of all security and paramilitary outfits at federal, state, and quasi-government levels; examine their legal and operational mandates; and assess areas of overlap or conflict.
It will also evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of emerging security outfits, review coordination mechanisms, and propose reforms to enhance accountability and reduce redundancies.
The committee is further mandated to review existing frameworks, identify gaps, and recommend measures for a more coherent and effective security system.
Its work will include aligning the operations of security and paramilitary agencies with national priorities and international best practices, as well as recommending policy, legal, and institutional measures — including options for merger, harmonisation, reclassification, or dissolution where necessary.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the SGF, draws membership from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within an approved timeframe.
Editor: Ada Ononye
