Threat assessment and national security in Nigeria: EFCC in perspective

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the correlation between threat assessment and national security in
Nigeria with reference to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as
assess the changing nature of threats in order to determine the applicability of current assessment frameworks. This research used a qualitative research approach and interviewed twelve EFCC officers from six divisions purposively. The methods used in data collection include interviews and field observation, with data analysis done using Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software through content and narrative analysis.The result of the study demonstrates that threat assessment and national security are closely related and that contemporary security threats cannot be limited to traditional military-based views. The research has also found some new threats, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and financial crimes, and therefore called for improvement in technological support and institutional capacity in threat assessment methods. Therefore, the study finds that there is need to enhance the efficiency of threat assessment in the fight against financial crimes and economic sabotage. The research concludes that assessment methodologies should be adapted as a fluid process and recommends that technology support should be enhanced, capacity development should be strengthened, and inter-agency cooperation should be improved in order to respond to current and future threats in Nigeria.