By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Chairman/CEO of Koontz Engineering Limited, Engineer Mustapha Kazeem Lusty, has declared that Nigeria can no longer overcome its worsening security challenges without a system-level transformation driven by technology, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement.
Lusty made this assertion while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), held on Thursday, 27 November, 2025, at the Sheba Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
Opening the discussion, Lusty pointed out that Nigeria recorded over 6,800 deaths and more than 5,400 abductions in the first half of 2024 alone, describing the figures as a dire reminder of the nation”s vulnerability to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence.
Engineer Mustapha stressed that tackling these threats requires far more than purchasing gadgets; rather, it demands a deliberate restructuring of the country’s security ecosystem.
He explained that nations that have successfully reduced crime now rely heavily on artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, drones, aerostats, body-worn technologies, and advanced forensic tools.
According to him, Nigeria must integrate these technologies with a centralized intelligence-sharing hub, improved cybersecurity frameworks, community trust-building, and interagency collaboration if it hopes to reverse current trends.
Transitioning from the need for system reform, Lusty further urged government and private institutions to localize the production of security technologies, arguing that homegrown solutions would reduce costs and ensure sustainability.
He emphasized that technology must be complemented by community participation, adding that citizens should be empowered to report threats confidently and efficiently.
Responding to the keynote, CRAN President Mr. Olalekan Olabulo reaffirmed the association”s long-standing commitment to national security development.
He noted that for nearly three decades, CRAN has consistently convened experts to diagnose national security problems and propose practical solutions rather than sensationalize issues.
Olabulo stressed that the present moment demands urgent technological adoption.
He explained that innovations such as data analytics, facial recognition, AI solutions, and real-time reporting applications are now indispensable tools worldwide.
According to him, “”unless Nigeria embraces these systems swiftly, security personnel will continue to face preventable risks””.
He also highlighted CRAN’s tradition of honoring security officers who have distinguished themselves across different formations, noting that the award recipients were carefully selected for their sacrifice and dedication.
Further building on these arguments, the Chairman of the Day, represented by Barrister Olayinka Sanni, insisted that Nigeria must shift from manpower-driven security to intelligence-led operations. He described as embarrassing the sight of eight officers manning a traffic point where simple, low-cost technology could be deployed.
Sanni criticized the failure to leverage existing biometric databases such as BVN and NIN to track criminals who operate openly on social media and financial platforms. He emphasized that funding remains the greatest barrier, but maintained that Nigeria must redesign its security system to eliminate unprofessional practices and restore integrity to the profession.
Similarly, the Eze Ndigbo, speaking from his personal experience in Imo State, recounted how insecurity ravaged his community for years without national attention, despite local awareness. Together with two other businessmen, he said they established an initiative that saved over 5,000 properties worth billions of naira and facilitated the return of displaced persons.
Drawing from his experience in London, he contrasted how citizens abroad report suspicious activity immediately with the Nigerian reality, where fear of reprisal discourages public cooperation. He therefore called for massive national orientation, insisting that crime-fighting must begin with a “see something, say something” culture.
Representing the Lagos Commissioner of Police, DC Administration Khani Salihu commended the robust participation of security agencies at the event.
However, he lamented that security discussions in Nigeria often end with applause rather than execution. He urged participants to ensure that the resolutions from the lecture are implemented, especially those involving technology-enabled policing.
Also addressing attendees, Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem, Chairman of Strict Guard Limited, emphasized that Nigeria must transition from reactive responses to proactive intelligence-driven strategies.
He argued that modern security requires coordinated efforts across the military, telecom providers, financial institutions, drug control agencies, and border management systems.
He stressed the urgent need for anonymous reporting platforms, explaining that many citizens fear retaliation. He added that providing basic equipment—such as night vision tools and upgraded surveillance systems—alongside comprehensive training would dramatically improve security outcomes.
