A security expert, Mr Seyi Babaeko, has called for a shift from conventional security approaches, saying the fight against insecurity must extend beyond the use of force to embrace technology, intelligence and strategic innovation.
Babaeko, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Absolute Security and Advanced Protocol Limited, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, contemporary security threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, armed robbery, misinformation and transnational criminal activities have become more sophisticated due to advances in technology and digital communication.
He said the rise of social media and instant information sharing has transformed the security landscape, creating both opportunities and vulnerabilities for governments, institutions and communities.
“The struggle against insecurity is no longer confined to physical battlefields; it has become a contest for influence, perception and information dominance,” he said.
Babaeko noted that while technology has enhanced intelligence gathering, crisis response and public awareness, it has also enabled criminal groups and extremist elements to spread fear, recruit followers and coordinate illicit activities with greater efficiency.
He stressed the need for security agencies and private security organizations to adopt intelligence-led strategies, advanced surveillance systems, predictive threat analysis and effective communication frameworks to address evolving threats.
According to him, security professionals must possess not only operational expertise but also a deep understanding of emerging technologies, behavioral trends and the dynamics of the digital environment.
Babaeko said private security providers now play broader roles that extend beyond physical guarding to include risk assessment, executive protection, crisis management, technological surveillance and security awareness programs.
The expert also highlighted the importance of youth engagement in promoting national security, describing young people as both influential actors and potential targets within the digital ecosystem.
He urged governments, educational institutions and private-sector stakeholders to invest in education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and employment opportunities to reduce youths’ vulnerability to criminal recruitment, cybercrime and violent extremism.
Babaeko further called on media practitioners to uphold professionalism and responsibility in reporting security-related issues.
He said responsible journalism was essential to preserving public confidence and social stability, warning that misinformation and sensational reporting could deepen divisions and undermine security efforts.
“Journalism and digital communication should serve as instruments of truth, accountability and national cohesion rather than vehicles for sensationalism and division,” he said.
Babaeko identified artificial intelligence, drone technology, biometric authentication, surveillance systems and predictive analytics as critical tools for strengthening security operations in the modern era.
He urged Nigeria and other African countries to accelerate investment in smart security infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks and digital intelligence capabilities.
The security expert also emphasized the role of citizens in maintaining security, noting that effective crime prevention requires active community participation, intelligence sharing and support for law enforcement agencies.
According to him, good governance, transparency, socially inclusive justice and equitable economic policies remain fundamental to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
He said sustainable peace and stability cannot thrive in environments characterized by poverty, unemployment, corruption and social inequality.
Babaeko called for visionary leadership, collective vigilance and strategic innovation to build a safer and more resilient society.
He added that the ultimate goal should be to anticipate, disrupt and neutralize threats before they materialize, rather than merely responding to them after they occur.
SOURCE: NAN
