Understanding CCC’s Security Agenda for 2025
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
As Nigeria continues to grapple with evolving security threats, the need for robust crisis communication and strategic security interventions has never been more urgent. The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade (Rtd), has emerged as a pivotal institution in shaping security discourse and enhancing public awareness of crisis management in Nigeria.
This was evident in the CCC’s recent press briefing, titled “Setting the Agenda for Nigeria’s Security Forces in 2025,” which outlined critical areas for improvement to ensure a more effective and accountable security framework.
The centre emphasized key strategies for Nigerian security forces, including enhancing communication, improving operational precision, fostering community engagement, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and leveraging technological innovations. By addressing these areas, the CCC has provided a roadmap for more effective crisis response and national security management in 2025.
One of the core recommendations from the CCC is the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s security communication strategy. The current practice of biweekly security briefings, which summarize multiple operations at once, lacks the immediacy and responsiveness required for effective crisis communication.
To bridge this gap, the CCC advocates for real-time security updates through daily or situational reports. This proactive approach would counter misinformation, build public trust, and prevent speculation that often exacerbates security concerns.
In recent years, Nigerian security forces have faced criticism over avoidable collateral damage, particularly erroneous airstrikes leading to civilian casualties. The CCC highlights the need for improved intelligence gathering, advanced training, and investment in precision-targeting equipment to prevent such mishaps.
The centre stressed that security operations must strike a balance between neutralizing threats and ensuring civilian safety. A well-defined protocol for identifying and engaging hostile elements would enhance operational accuracy and reinforce public confidence in military professionalism.
In today’s security landscape, intelligence gathering from communities plays a crucial role in combating terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. The CCC calls for stronger relationships between security agencies and local communities, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, and youth groups.
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This collaborative security model ensures that security forces receive real-time intelligence from local residents, leading to faster response times and more targeted interventions. When communities trust security agencies, they are more willing to share valuable information on criminal activities, thereby strengthening national security efforts.
Another key aspect of the CCC’s 2025 security agenda is improving synergy among Nigeria’s security, intelligence, and response agencies. A fragmented security approach weakens national efforts and creates gaps that criminals exploit.
The CCC recommends enhanced coordination among agencies such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others. Healthy and robust collaboration would reduce duplication of efforts, ensure better resource management, and improve overall operational efficiency.
In an era of automation and digital transformation, the CCC underscores the importance of adopting modern technology to improve security operations. The centre advocates for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, data analytics, and digital surveillance systems to enhance intelligence gathering and tactical responses.
Countries that have successfully tackled insurgency and organized crime have leveraged AI-driven predictive analytics to identify threats before they escalate. Nigeria must follow suit by investing in smart technologies, training security personnel on digital security tools, and equipping forces with cutting-edge surveillance systems.
Beyond security, the CCC has also taken a firm stance on promoting transparency and accountability in governance. It commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its renewed anti-corruption drive, particularly in high-profile cases.
Recognizing the deliberate smear campaigns and fake news attacks against the EFCC by corrupt individuals, the CCC calls for strategic media engagement to counter misinformation. It reaffirms its commitment to supporting the EFCC by providing expertise in crisis communication to amplify the commission’s achievements.
With these proactive measures, the Centre for Crisis Communication has reaffirmed its role as a think tank in security and crisis management. By setting a pragmatic agenda for Nigeria’s security forces, the CCC is driving the country toward a more secure and stable future.
As Nigeria navigates the security challenges of 2025, policymakers, security agencies, the media, and the general public must rally behind the CCC’s recommendations. A safer Nigeria requires collaboration, transparency, and a proactive approach to crisis communication.
The CCC stands ready to champion these efforts, ensuring that Nigeria remains resilient in the face of security challenges. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more accountable Nigeria.
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC). He can be reached via [email protected]
