Former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has called for a comprehensive rethink of security governance in Nigeria and across the world, stressing that sustainable peace, effective institutions, technological innovation, and citizen participation are critical to addressing emerging security threats.
Delivering the keynote address at the 20th International Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) at Lead City University, Ibadan, Egbetokun said the rapidly evolving global security environment demands stronger institutions, enhanced partnerships, and innovative governance frameworks capable of responding to modern threats.
Speaking on the theme, “Security Governance and Global Dynamics: Rethinking Security, Institutions and the Future of Peace,” the former police chief described the conference as a significant platform that has sustained two decades of intellectual engagement on peace, security, conflict management, and governance.
Egbetokun, a Fellow of the Society, noted that his participation carried personal significance, having attended previous editions as a member before returning as the keynote speaker.
Reflecting on his more than three decades in security service, he emphasized that peace remains a fundamental pillar of security, warning that no security architecture can endure where peace is absent.
According to him, the world has become increasingly interconnected, making security challenges more complex and transnational in nature.
He explained that cybercrime, terrorism, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, disinformation, and emerging technologies have transformed the security landscape, making it impossible for any nation to address major threats in isolation.
“The defining security question of the 21st century is no longer simply how to protect the state, but how to govern security in a world where risks are interconnected, power is distributed, and no country can manage the major threats of our time alone,” he said
Egbetokun observed that many of Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to broader global networks, describing the phenomenon as the “globalisation of disorder.”
He noted that weapons recovered from criminal elements often originate from international trafficking networks, while cybercriminals and terrorist groups increasingly exploit digital technologies to operate across borders.
According to him, the realities of globalization have shifted security management from a purely national responsibility to a networked and collaborative enterprise involving governments, regional organizations, international institutions, academia, civil society, communities, and the private sector.
He stressed that future security frameworks must be built on partnerships capable of managing growing interdependence among nations.
The former IGP acknowledged the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies toward addressing insecurity, noting that security governance requires continuous institutional strengthening rather than reliance on individual leaders.
He praised the dedication of personnel across the security sector and called for greater investment in intelligence gathering, early warning systems, community engagement, and institutional resilience.
Egbetokun urged stakeholders to support ongoing government efforts aimed at enhancing security management and improving public safety across the country.
The retired police chief highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, biotechnology, quantum computing, and cyber capabilities on national and global security.
While acknowledging the immense benefits of technological advancement, he warned that innovation must be accompanied by robust governance frameworks to prevent abuse.
He called for clear regulations to address issues such as cyberattacks, AI-driven disinformation, protection of critical infrastructure, and accountability in the deployment of emerging technologies.
According to him, countries that will thrive in the future will not necessarily be those with the most advanced technologies, but those with the strongest institutions for governing them.
Egbetokun emphasized that security should not be viewed solely through the lens of military power, weapons, or state institutions.
He argued that genuine security must also address the everyday concerns of citizens, including access to food, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and protection from violence.
“A secure state with insecure citizens is not truly secure,” he stated.
He advocated a shift toward a human-centred security framework that prioritizes food security, job creation, health security, educational opportunities, and social inclusion.
According to him, poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion remain major drivers of insecurity and extremist recruitment.
The former police chief also stressed the need for reforms aimed at improving security governance across the country.
He called for greater clarity in security responsibilities, enhanced coordination among institutions, and stronger mechanisms for accountability.
Egbetokun advocated the development of a robust security knowledge economy through research, data analytics, evidence-based policing, and stronger collaboration between academic institutions and security agencies.
He also urged authorities to strengthen governance of cyberspace and the information environment in order to combat disinformation, hate speech, extremist propaganda, and other emerging digital threats while safeguarding freedom of expression.
Drawing from his experience leading the Nigeria Police Force, Egbetokun maintained that sustainable security cannot be achieved through force alone.
He stressed that public trust remains one of the most important components of national security, noting that government institutions, private sector actors, communities, and citizens all have vital roles to play.
“There is no military solution to a governance problem,” he said.
“Security is not what government alone provides; it is something society collectively produces.”
The former Inspector-General concluded by urging policymakers, academics, security practitioners, and development partners to focus on building institutions capable of adapting to future challenges.
He advocated a security governance model anchored on prevention, resilience, intelligence-driven decision-making, institutional continuity, responsible innovation, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
According to him, the true measure of a secure society is not the size of its security agencies but the confidence with which citizens live, work, raise families, and pursue their aspirations.
Egbetokun congratulated the Society for Peace Studies and Practice on its 20th International Conference and General Assembly, expressing confidence that the scholarship, partnerships, and policy discussions generated by the platform would continue to contribute to peace, security, justice, and national development in Nigeria and beyond.
He urged participants to strengthen the link between research and practice, ensure that evidence informs policy decisions, and continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, institutional effectiveness, and sustainable security for future generations.
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