Complete List Of Security Agencies In Nigeria And Their Responsibilities

Nigeria’s security framework is built upon a wide array of specialized agencies. Each plays a unique and vital role in protecting the nation, enforcing the law, managing internal threats, and responding to emergencies. These agencies operate under different ministries and are empowered by federal or state laws.

In this updated guide, you'll find a breakdown of the key security agencies in Nigeria, their mandates, and core responsibilities, providing insight into how they contribute to national peace, order, and sovereignty.

1. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

Mandate: Nigeria’s lead law enforcement body tasked with public safety.
Core Duties:

• Crime detection and prevention

• Law enforcement and arrests

• Traffic control and safety

• Riot control and counter-terrorism

• Protection of lives and property

2. Department of State Services (DSS)

Mandate: Nigeria’s main internal intelligence agency (also called SSS).
Core Duties:

• Counter-intelligence operations

• Monitoring domestic threats

• Protection of VIPs and government officials

• Prevention of subversive activities

3. Nigerian Armed Forces

a. Nigerian Army

Mandate: Land-based defense and operations.
Core Duties:

• Ground warfare

• Civil-military support

• Peacekeeping missions

b. Nigerian Navy

Mandate: Defense of Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Core Duties:

• Naval patrols and sea security

• Protection of oil platforms and maritime trade

• Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy efforts

c. Nigerian Air Force

Mandate: Airspace protection and aerial support.
Core Duties:

• Aerial surveillance and combat

• Support for ground and maritime operations

• Emergency response via airlift missions

4. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Mandate: Protection of critical national assets.
Core Duties:

• Guarding government installations

• Disaster response and rescue

• Oversight of private security firms

5. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Mandate: Fighting financial and economic crimes.
Core Duties:

• Investigation and prosecution of fraud

• Anti-money laundering enforcement

• Recovery of stolen assets

6. Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)

Mandate: Combating corruption in the public sector.
Core Duties:

• Investigation of corrupt acts

• Preventive system checks in government agencies

• Anti-corruption public awareness

7. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Mandate: War on drugs.
Core Duties:

• Seizure of illegal drugs

• Arrest and prosecution of traffickers

• Rehabilitation of drug users

8. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

Mandate: Ensuring road safety and reducing crashes.
Core Duties:

• Road traffic control

• Driver testing and licensing

• Accident prevention and rescue

9. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Mandate: Border and immigration control.
Core Duties:

• Issuance of passports and visas

• Border security and migration regulation

• Enforcement of immigration policies

10. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

Mandate: Revenue generation and anti-smuggling.
Core Duties:

• Collection of import/export duties

• Trade regulation enforcement

• Seizure of contraband goods

11. Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)

Mandate: Inmate custody and rehabilitation.
Core Duties:

• Managing prisons and inmates

• Vocational and education training for prisoners

• Supervision of non-custodial sentences

12. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Mandate: Disaster response and recovery.
Core Duties:

• Coordinating relief efforts

• Disaster awareness and education

• Post-crisis resettlement

13. National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

Mandate: Nigeria’s foreign intelligence body.
Core Duties:

• Gathering and analyzing overseas intelligence

• Protecting foreign missions and interests

• Preventing external threats

14. Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)

Mandate: Financial crime intelligence and regulation.
Core Duties:

• Monitoring suspicious transactions

• Supporting anti-money laundering (AML) efforts

• Collaborating with global financial watchdogs

15. National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)

Mandate: Fight against human trafficking.
Core Duties:

• Rescuing and rehabilitating victims

• Prosecuting traffickers

• Promoting anti-trafficking education

16. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Mandate: Maritime safety and ship regulation.
Core Duties:

• Enforcing maritime laws

• Promoting indigenous shipping

• Combating sea piracy

17. Federal Fire Service (FFS)

Mandate: Nationwide fire safety enforcement.
Core Duties:

• Fire prevention and firefighting

• Safety inspection of buildings

• Public fire safety awareness

18. Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC)

Mandate: Lagos State's grassroots community security.
Core Duties:

• Local surveillance and crime reporting

• Supporting police in neighborhood patrols

• Conflict resolution at community level

19. Nigerian Peace Corps (Awaiting Legislation)

Mandate: Youth empowerment and peacebuilding (proposed).
Expected Duties:

• Community peace initiatives

• Moral guidance in schools

• Volunteer services

20. Man O’ War Nigeria

Mandate: Youth leadership and community development.
Core Duties:

• Civic training and discipline

• Disaster and emergency response support

• School and youth mentoring

21. Nigerian Legion

Mandate: Veterans' welfare and public safety.
Core Duties:

• Protecting public property

• Participating in national ceremonies

• Security support in institutions

22. Vigilante Groups

Mandate: Community-based crime prevention.
Core Duties:

• Night patrols and local security checks

• Supporting traditional rulers and police

• Securing villages and towns

23. Nigeria Customs Strike Force

Mandate: Rapid enforcement of trade laws.
Core Duties:

• Anti-smuggling operations

• Inter-agency economic surveillance

• Intelligence-led interventions

24. Halogen Security Company

Mandate: Private security services.
Core Duties:

• Deploying trained guards to homes and businesses

• Providing security technology solutions

• Risk assessment and crisis response

25. Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS)

Mandate: Emergency humanitarian response.
Core Duties:

• First aid and emergency care

• Health outreach and blood donation

• Supporting disaster victims

Why Security Agencies Matter in Nigeria

These agencies collectively ensure:

• National sovereignty – defending territorial integrity

• Public safety – reducing crime and emergencies

• Economic development – enabling investor-friendly environments

• Rule of law – upholding justice and accountability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many official security agencies are there in Nigeria?
Over 20 agencies are officially recognized, each with specific responsibilities.

Q2. Which agency handles drug crimes in Nigeria?
The NDLEA is responsible for drug law enforcement.

Q3. Is the Peace Corps of Nigeria officially approved?
As of 2025, it is awaiting legal backing, though active in some regions.

Q4. Who oversees prisons and inmates in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) manages correctional facilities and programs.

Q5. Are vigilante groups legal in Nigeria?
While not federally regulated, many operate legally at the community level with police support.

Q6. What is the difference between DSS and NIA?
DSS handles internal intelligence, while NIA manages foreign intelligence gathering.

Conclusion

Nigeria's security landscape is multifaceted and involves collaboration between federal, state, private, and community-based organizations. Whether it's fighting crime, managing disasters, protecting borders, or promoting peace, each agency plays a critical role.

As threats to national security continue to evolve, understanding the structure and function of these agencies helps foster stronger civic cooperation, increased accountability, and better safety for all citizens.