Addressing Intelligence Deficiencies in Safeguarding Nigeria's Critical Infrastructure and Strategic National Assets for Improved National Security

Abstract The protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remains a central component of Nigeria’s national security and socio-economic stability. Despite the existence of multiple intelligence and security agencies, Nigeria continues to experience persistent threats to its strategic assets, including oil and gas installations, power networks, transportation systems, and communication infrastructure. These threats, manifested through vandalism, oil theft, cyberattacks, and insurgent sabotage, point to deep-seated deficiencies within the country’s intelligence architecture. This study examines intelligence-gathering mechanisms and the core intelligence deficiencies hindering the effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Delta State. Anchored on the Intelligence Cycle Theory and Systems Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 114 purposively selected NSCDC officers across divisional offices, area commands, and the state headquarters in Delta State. Descriptive statistical tools, 7 including frequency distributions, percentages, and mean ratings, were employed for data analysis. Findings reveal that intelligence gathering for infrastructure protection relies largely on human intelligence, community informants, private security agencies, patrol networks, and limited technological tools. However, major challenges undermine effectiveness, including poor inter-agency collaboration, rivalry among security agencies, inadequate training, insufficient technological capacity, weak community engagement, and lack 14 of political and institutional support. The results further indicate that intelligence functions are unevenly integrated across ranks, and modern intelligence tools such as UAVs and advanced surveillance technologies remain underutilized. The study concludes that intelligence deficiencies significantly weaken Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard critical national assets, resulting in economic losses, security vulnerabilities, and declining public trust. It recommends clearer policy frameworks.