Curbing insecurity: Fayoade stresses need to align theory with practice

An Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has called for a deliberate alignment between theoretical frameworks and practical realities in security management to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges effectively.

Speaking at the maiden International Conference of the Institute of Criminology and Strategic Studies held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, Fayoade underscored the need for more than strategic planning or operational excellence in achieving harmony in security.

The event’s discussions reflected the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which promotes regional cooperation but often struggles with implementation.

Drawing comparisons, Fayoade pointed to Singapore’s successful integration of military, economic, civil, social, and digital defence into a unified strategy.

He lamented Nigeria’s contrasting reality, citing a security landscape plagued by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime, which have caused over 350,000 deaths and displaced over 2.5 million people.

Fayoade identified systemic challenges hindering Nigeria’s security framework, including a disconnect between theoretical and operational approaches, resource constraints, evolving threats, and institutional barriers.

However, he also noted emerging opportunities such as advancements in technology, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and dynamic training programmes for security personnel.

To bridge the gap between security theory and practice, Fayoade recommended several measures, including enhancing operational training programmes, establishing knowledge exchange platforms, adopting data-driven security approaches, fostering public-private partnerships, and promoting professionalism and ethics within the security sector.

He stressed the importance of continuous training and a deliberate focus on aligning security frameworks with real-world demands to strengthen Nigeria’s response to its multifaceted security challenges.