Security experts have called for intensified intelligence gathering and hostile surveillance following reports alleging the presence of individuals linked to terrorist financing in Lagos State.
They warned that authorities should treat the intelligence with urgency to prevent potential security threats, drawing parallels with the years of planning that preceded the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

The calls followed reports identifying a Nigerian, Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu, as an alleged financier linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The report alleged that money exchange businesses associated with him were used as conduits for financing terrorist activities.
Speaking with The Guardian, security consultant Austen Panor said the reported intelligence should not be dismissed, arguing that Nigeria remains a high-risk country from a security standpoint.

“I think we have passed the stage where we debate the implications of the report. The reality is that countries such as the United States and Canada classify Nigeria as a high-risk country. I do not know the parameters used in assessing Lagos as the safest state in Nigeria because the available security indicators do not support that conclusion,” he said.
According to Panor, while the threats of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping may be relatively lower in Lagos than in some northern states, this does not automatically make the state a low-risk environment.

“The threat of banditry, kidnapping and terrorist attacks may be comparatively lower in Lagos, but that does not make the state low risk. There are states, particularly in southern Nigeria, that are arguably safer,” he added.
Panor noted that individuals involved in financing terrorism could reside anywhere in the world, stressing the need for proactive intelligence operations rather than reactive security measures.

“The priority is to strengthen intelligence gathering and hostile surveillance. Security agencies must ensure that anyone under investigation is properly monitored while lawful investigations continue. Effective intelligence is the key to preventing future attacks,” he said.
Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Badison Security, Mathew Ibadin, urged the Lagos State Government to strengthen grassroots intelligence by empowering Community Development Associations (CDAs) and improving resident documentation.

“The report suggests that Lagos must significantly strengthen its security architecture. Every Community Development Association should have adequate knowledge of those living within its jurisdiction. Proper documentation of residents is essential to improving community-based intelligence,” he said.
Ibadin also called for greater investment in policing infrastructure, including patrol vehicles, gunboats and specialised intelligence units, while reiterating his support for state and local government policing structures.

He commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for ongoing security efforts but urged security agencies to intensify surveillance across vulnerable locations.
“The Commissioner of Police is doing a commendable job, but security challenges continue to evolve. Government should invest more in intelligence capabilities, patrol assets and community policing structures because crime is fundamentally local,” he said.

The security expert further advocated the establishment of specialised courts or tribunals to accelerate the prosecution of terrorism suspects and their alleged sponsors.
“Cases involving terrorism financing should be concluded within a reasonable timeframe. Delayed prosecutions weaken deterrence and public confidence in the justice system,” he said.

He also urged political leaders to separate security matters from partisan considerations and provide the political will needed to combat terrorism and related crimes effectively.
Asked how residents should respond to the report, Ibadin encouraged greater cooperation between citizens and security agencies, while acknowledging that public confidence in law enforcement remains a challenge.

“There is nothing wrong with international partners sharing intelligence. However, intelligence is only useful when communities trust security agencies enough to volunteer credible information,” he said.
When contacted for a reaction, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police said he had not yet received the report.

“I am not aware of the report. I have not been briefed and I do not have the report with me at the moment,” the police commissioner said.