Nigeria's Intelligence System: An Analysis

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Periodical article

Title:	Nigeria's Intelligence System: An Analysis
Author:	Peters, Jimi
Year:	1987
Periodical:	Afrika Spectrum
Volume:	22
Issue:	2
Pages:	181-191
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	intelligence services Military, Defense and Arms Politics and Government
Abstract:	Two events have been instrumental in shaping the development of Nigeria's intelligence system. Firstly, the abortive coup attempt in 1976 and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, which led to the establishment of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO). Until then, intelligence had not been accorded any special place. It was tied in with the activities of the police, and only in the area of State security. Secondly, the use to which it was put under the regime of Major General Buhari. Under this regime (1983-1985), the NSO began to play a role for which it was never designated, being used to harrass political opponents of the regime. When the regime was overthrown in August 1985, the leviathan called the NSO was dismantled and new agencies were created in its place. There now appears to be an effort aimed at bringing the development of the security agencies into line with that of the armed forces. However, the present effort at restructuring should be matched with a similar effort at improving the intellectual level and professionalism of the security agencies. Notes, ref., sum. in German and French.