Opinion
Security Service With A Human Face
Long before the popular actor, Jack Bower, of 24-Hour film series, there was a Nigeria police officer with a nickname “Raw Material”, whose service code was: “shoot first, then ask question or answer query later”. He was a terror to the thieves and bandits of Surulere and later, Port Harcourt. Apart from being an expert marksman and unarmed combatant, he was also a good wrestler. Unfortunately, he caused much embarrassment to the Nigeria Police establishment, despite being a terror to criminals.
The Tide newspaper of Friday, July 2, 2021 carried a back-page report in which the Department of State Services (DSS) admitted that its operatives executed a raid on the residence of Sunday Igboho, July 1, 2021. In such operations we are always told that “the team came under heavy gun attack”, causing security operatives to fire back. In Igboho’s case, we are told that “in the course of the exchange, two of Igboho’s armed men were gunned down…” One DSS operative was shot by the assailants on his right hand, causing him an injury, and had medical attention.
When the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States of America was created in 1947, its operatives carried out their services like Jack Bower or Raw Material of the Nigeria Police. Moreover, the Agency engaged in series of unconventional research activities; one of such projects had the code name MKULTRA. It was a top secret mind control project, including experimental hypnosis.
After the World War II and up to 1958, the top-secret research projects of the CIA continued, with the result that developing countries and their citizens became testing grounds and guinea-pigs to prove the effectiveness of mind-control projects. The first two phases of Operation Mind Control had the aim of transforming human beings into unthinking, subconsciously programmed “zombies”, motivated without their knowledge and against their will, to perform in a variety of ways. Similar research projects by the KGB of Germany were strictly monitored and undermined.
Across the globe, security operations have been an industry and tools of the establishment, not only for state security purposes, but also for the promotion of political and other interests, goals and agenda. There is always the danger that since national interest and security supersede those of individual citizens, human rights can be abused under the cover of national interest and state security. There is also an additional danger that a mistaken or error of judgement and action which becomes irreversible, can be covered up by states’ spin doctors.
In the case of CIA, law suits and civil actions by relatives and interest groups in defence of victims of official abuses, tamed some of the excesses of the Agency. From individuals who served as guinea-pigs in the experimental research projects, to operatives who were retired on the basis of mental imbalance, some dark deeds came to light. Also, court judgments and damages awarded to victims served as deterrents.
There is hardly any doubt that law-enforcement agencies and individual operatives often take the law into their own hands and also intimidate those who have the audacity to challenge them when they abuse human rights grossly. It is also unfortunate that because of mass ignorance, fear, timidity, poverty and flaws in the judicial system, a large number of Nigerian citizens suffer in silence. Having served in the police establishment, one is aware of ill-disposed persons and power-seekers using security operatives to plant weapons and incriminating materials in the homes or offices of those that they want to destroy.
The issue of justice, even though it may look complex, is the issue of human conscience which, in many cases, can be brushed aside and undermined. Similarly, the issue of security is fraught with inexplicabilities which, at the end of the day, is governed by the strict mechanism of creation and human existence. First, there is the theory of conservation of matter which stipulates that no one can create, subtract or add anything new to what already exists. What we do is merely re-arrange, combine or split what had existed, the result of whose activity falls back on whoever brought it about.
There is also the controversy about a heightened increase in criminality and acts of violence and brigandage across the globe. Ongoing human experiences demand that there should be a new paradym in efforts to understand global events better. Without such deeper understanding, nations and human agencies would hardly grasp the essence and meaning of what we face currently.
Therefore, security services and operations in all ramifications should not be a “Jack Bower” or “Raw Material” approach, but the application of modern research findings on the issue of security. What are the modern research findings on global security issue? Quite shocking! To say that for over 150 years “monstrous souls” had invaded the Earth through birth as human babies, may sound like one of those tales of dooms-day prophets. If we take the school system as an example, it can be illustrated that as final, cumulative assessment approaches, truant students with excess carryover workload, hustle to play their “last card”.
As much as possible, there are those who would not want to go down alone, but would seek to cause as much mayhem as they can, to pull others down with them. The irony of the matter is that the dark, monster-like souls, as humans on Earth, come with formidable powers, which only a few people can recognise or resist successfully. They are not the touts in the motor-parks but those who can give orders. Those in the security services are usually admonished to carry out their task with personal discretion. Let us also add here, human face. Give a human face to what you do!
There is a principle of personal responsibility, whereby every individual takes the fall-outs from his actions, decisions, etc, in his private and official capacities and positions. Nobody is protected by the office or position that he holds. Rather, the conscience is an unfailing guide. Heed it! “Raw Material” died recently in a dusty way. There’s more to life than earning a living as a security operative.
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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