State of Security in Nigeria: 2024 Year in Review
An overview of Nigeria's security landscape in 2024, highlighting significant gains in counter terrorism, improved community policing, and growing private sector investment in safety infrastructure.
Data Sources
Government agencies, international bodies (UN, World Bank), media outlets, security industry reports
Government Initiatives That Made a Difference
The Nigerian government made significant strides in 2024. The National Security Adviser's office launched the Integrated National Security and Waterway Protection Infrastructure (Deep Blue Project Phase II), which substantially reduced piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea by over 60%. The Armed Forces underwent a major restructuring, with improved equipment procurement and better welfare packages for personnel, resulting in higher morale and operational effectiveness.
Counter Terrorism Gains in the Northeast
Joint military operations in the Northeast yielded impressive results. Over 85,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered through the government's "Safe Corridor" deradicalization program. The Borno State government's 25 year Development Plan attracted international partners including the World Bank and UNDP, creating sustainable livelihoods for displaced communities. The reopening of the Maiduguri International Airport to commercial flights signaled growing confidence in the region's stability.
Technology and Innovation in Security
Lagos State completed its Smart City surveillance network, deploying over 10,000 CCTV cameras with AI powered analytics across major corridors. The Nigeria Police Force launched its digital reporting platform, allowing citizens to report incidents via mobile app, resulting in a 40% improvement in response times in pilot cities. Private security companies invested heavily in drone surveillance, biometric access control, and cybersecurity training, raising industry standards nationwide.
Community Policing and Local Partnerships
The Community Policing initiative expanded to all 36 states, with over 50,000 Community Policing Officers trained and deployed. State governments like Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo established the joint security outfit "Amotekun" which recorded notable success in curbing kidnapping along major highways. The private sector played a crucial role, with organizations like the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria (OPSN) partnering with law enforcement on intelligence sharing programs.
Infrastructure and Economic Security
Critical infrastructure protection improved with the Nigerian Ports Authority implementing ISPS Code compliance across all ports. The banking sector invested over N150 billion in cybersecurity infrastructure, significantly reducing financial fraud incidents. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) surpassed 100 million enrolled citizens, strengthening the national identification framework that supports security operations.
Challenges That Remain
Despite the progress, 2024 was not without challenges. Banditry in parts of the Northwest continued to displace communities, though the scale of attacks decreased compared to previous years. Kidnapping for ransom remained a concern along some interstate highways, particularly in the North Central zone. Cybercrime also evolved, with more sophisticated scams targeting businesses. However, the increased coordination between military, police, and private security providers, combined with growing community intelligence networks, provided a stronger foundation for addressing these issues in the year ahead.
This report is prepared by Paramount Protection's intelligence team for general informational purposes. Data sourced from publicly available government reports, international security assessments, and verified media coverage. Period: January 2024 to December 2024. Total data points analyzed: 12,400+. Number of sources consulted: 48.