The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the proliferation and rationalization of all existing Federal, State, and quasi-government security and para-military agencies, including auxiliary and specialised outfits operating across the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume, CON, while inaugurating the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Wednesday 22nd April, 2026 in Abuja, stated that the initiative is part of ongoing 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 properties.
SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni said that the inauguration was borne out of concern over the increasing number of security and auxiliary agencies, which has created challenges related to duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and inefficiencies in operations. He added that the report of the IMC will serve as a framework to guide the Federal Government to take informed decisions in streamlining the auxiliary security agencies in the country.
According to him, the Committee will compile an inventory of all security and para-military 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 among agencies, and propose reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and reducing operational redundancies.
Also, the Committee is mandated to undertake a thorough review of existing frameworks, identify gaps, and recommend measures to ensure a more coherent and effective security system. It’s work will also focus on aligning the operations of security and para-military agencies with national priorities and international best practices. They will also recommend appropriate policy, legal and institutional measures for streamlining security agencies, including options for merger, harmonization, reclassification, or dissolution where necessary.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by SGF has membership drawn from: Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS); Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Police Affairs; Ministry of Interior; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The Committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to Government within an approved timeframe.
E- Signed:
Chris Ugwuegbulam
Head, Information & Public Relations
22nd April, 2026.
