Security Became Big Business for Small Circle in Nigeria, Says Mahdi Shehu

A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security management, describing it as a system that benefits only a few individuals. At the same time, the general population continues to suffer.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Shehu said the period between 2015 and 2023 exposed troubling realities about how security funds were handled in the country.

According to him, “security is everybody’s business because it affects everybody either positively or negatively.”

He added that the sector has also become big business for a small circle.

He noted that Nigerians were shocked by several disclosures made during that period by serving military officers and senior government officials, which revealed how funds meant for security were allegedly misused.

“But Nigerians were entertained in a shocking way between 2015 to 2023 with disclosures by then serving military and senior government officials,” he said.

He added that these revelations opened the armoury of shame and narrated to Nigerians how security monies were being misapplied, misappropriated and or stolen at the expense of public peace.

Shehu referenced testimonies and public statements made by top security officials, including former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; and the late Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru.

“Just recall the submissions of General Tukur Buratai before the Senate committee, that of former NSA Mongonu and the public disclosure of late General Attahiru COAS,” he stated.

He said the revelations from these officials help explain the country’s persistent insecurity challenges, despite huge spending on defence.

“Nigeria is a very interesting country. The more you hear, the more you understand why we are where we are,” Shehu added.