Ex-DSS Director Explains Why Insecurity Escalated Under Buhari Administration
Ex-DSS Director Explains Why Insecurity Escalated Under Buhari Administration
Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has attributed the escalation of insecurity during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to a combination of weak government response, corruption, and policies that inadvertently strengthened criminal networks. The security expert made the observations in his newly released book, DSS@40: My Journey Behind the Shield.
According to Amachree, Nigeria witnessed a significant rise in insurgency, banditry and kidnapping during the Buhari years because the government failed to respond decisively to the growing security threats. He argued that despite Buhari’s military background, many Nigerians perceived the administration’s response as inadequate, allowing criminal groups to expand their operations across several parts of the country.
The former DSS director also alleged that corruption among top public officials undermined the fight against insecurity. He criticised the reported payment of ransom to kidnappers by government officials, warning that such actions effectively financed terrorism and emboldened criminal groups instead of weakening them. He maintained that these developments eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
Amachree further argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted not only in armed criminality but also in governance failures. He contended that political leaders often prioritised personal and political interests over national security, creating conditions that allowed insecurity to flourish. According to him, sustainable peace can only be achieved through accountable leadership, stronger institutions and a comprehensive security strategy that addresses both immediate threats and their underlying causes.
His remarks have renewed debate over the evolution of Nigeria’s security crisis and the need for far-reaching reforms in the country’s security architecture. Analysts say strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency coordination and addressing governance challenges remain essential to combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
