Nigerian Security Organization
Encyclopedia
The Nigerian Security Organization (NSO) was the state security and intelligence service of the Nigerian government from 1976 to 1985.
Established in 1976 by the Military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo after the failed Dimka coup--which claimed the life of former Head of State Murtala Mohammed
, the NSO was given a mandate of coordinating both domestic and foreign intelligence. During the time of the military regime, and continuing through the Nigerian Second Republic
, the NSO was accused of carrying out systematic and widespread human rights abuses, especially of those seen to be critical of the government. One dissident has called them a "Gestapo in Black".
The NSO became particularly notorious during Buhari's so called War Against Indiscipline crackdown in spring 1984. A series of repressive measures, led by NSO chief Mohammed Rafindadi, was carried out. Of these, repression against journalists, opposition figures, government officials (the Foreign Ministry saw a purge of those considered "disloyal") and the a 25 month imprisonment of musician Fela Ransome-Kuti are especially remembered.
to power, the NSO was dissolved into three separate divisions per the provisions made in Decree 19:
Babangida sought to clean up the reputation of the intelligence services with Decree 19, but there remains a great deal of continuity between the NSO and the SSS. In fact, the first chief of the DIA was Mohammed Rafindadi's predecessor as head of the NSO, General Aliyu Gusau.
While the NSO is reviled in modern Nigeria, many of its practices have resurfaced in the SSS, which remains directly controlled by the President, and has been accused of human rights violations.
Established in 1976 by the Military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo after the failed Dimka coup--which claimed the life of former Head of State Murtala Mohammed
Murtala Mohammed
General Murtala Ramat Mohammed born was a military ruler of Nigeria from 1975 until his assassination in 1976.-Role during 1960s coups:...
, the NSO was given a mandate of coordinating both domestic and foreign intelligence. During the time of the military regime, and continuing through the Nigerian Second Republic
Nigerian Second Republic
The Second Republic was the republican government of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983 governed by the second republican constitution.- Founding :...
, the NSO was accused of carrying out systematic and widespread human rights abuses, especially of those seen to be critical of the government. One dissident has called them a "Gestapo in Black".
The NSO became particularly notorious during Buhari's so called War Against Indiscipline crackdown in spring 1984. A series of repressive measures, led by NSO chief Mohammed Rafindadi, was carried out. Of these, repression against journalists, opposition figures, government officials (the Foreign Ministry saw a purge of those considered "disloyal") and the a 25 month imprisonment of musician Fela Ransome-Kuti are especially remembered.
Dissolved
Following the 1985 military coup that brought Ibrahim BabangidaIbrahim Babangida
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida CFR DSS mni , popularly known as IBB, was a Nigerian Army officer and military ruler of Nigeria...
to power, the NSO was dissolved into three separate divisions per the provisions made in Decree 19:
- State Security ServiceState Security ServiceState Security Service is the primary domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. It is primarily responsible for the gathering of intelligence within the country and for the protection of senior government officials, particularly the President and state governors. It is one of three successor...
(SSS) - Responsible for domestic intelligence - Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) - Responsible for Foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations
- Defence Intelligence AgencyDefence Intelligence Agency (Nigeria)Nigeria's Defence Intelligence Agency was created when, in 1986, fulfilling one of the promises made in his first national address as president, Ibrahim Babangida issued Decree Number 19, dissolving the National Security Organization and restructuring the country's security services into three...
(DIA) - Responsible for military intelligence
Babangida sought to clean up the reputation of the intelligence services with Decree 19, but there remains a great deal of continuity between the NSO and the SSS. In fact, the first chief of the DIA was Mohammed Rafindadi's predecessor as head of the NSO, General Aliyu Gusau.
While the NSO is reviled in modern Nigeria, many of its practices have resurfaced in the SSS, which remains directly controlled by the President, and has been accused of human rights violations.
See also
- Human rights in NigeriaHuman rights in NigeriaNigeria's human rights record remains poor and government officials at all levels continue to commit serious abuses.According to the U.S. Department of State, the most significant human rights problems are: extrajudicial killings and use of excessive force by security forces; impunity for abuses by...
- MOSOP
- Nigerian Mobile PoliceNigerian Mobile PoliceThe Nigerian Mobile Police force is a paramilitary arm of the Nigeria Police Force and operate under orders from Nigeria's federal government.-Organization:...
- State Security ServiceState Security ServiceState Security Service is the primary domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. It is primarily responsible for the gathering of intelligence within the country and for the protection of senior government officials, particularly the President and state governors. It is one of three successor...
(SSS) - Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA)