Nigeria’s intelligence community has been hailed for its critical role in combating terrorism and insecurity, with growing calls for greater public recognition of the often unseen work carried out by intelligence operatives across the country.

The call follows a series of high-profile security successes, including the reported role of Nigerian intelligence agencies in a joint operation with the United States that led to the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

According to reports, the operation was supported by intelligence developed by Nigerian authorities, with the commander of the United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, reportedly acknowledging Nigeria’s contribution in identifying and tracking the target.

Recent domestic successes have also highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering. The Department of State Services (DSS) recently arrested five suspects, including two foreign nationals, allegedly linked to the logistics network behind the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. Security operatives recovered 15 AK-47 rifles and more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition during the operation.

In addition, years of intelligence-led investigations contributed to the conviction and sentencing of individuals involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Security analysts say such achievements demonstrate that intelligence remains a key component of modern counterterrorism efforts, often laying the groundwork for arrests, rescues and military operations.

They, however, expressed concern that public attention is frequently focused on attacks and security failures, while breakthroughs by security agencies receive comparatively little recognition.

The analysts warned that the spread of misinformation and the circulation of unverified images on social media could undermine public confidence and inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorist groups, which often seek to spread fear and create a perception of government helplessness.

They stressed the need for stronger community policing and intelligence sharing, noting that security agencies rely heavily on information from local communities to detect and prevent threats.

The role of the DSS in prosecuting suspects linked to major terrorist incidents, including the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja, the attack on the Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene and the Owo church massacre, was also cited as evidence of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist networks through intelligence and legal action.

Observers further noted that under the leadership of DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi, the agency has intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist cells, kidnapping syndicates and arms trafficking networks.

They also paid tribute to intelligence operatives who have lost their lives or suffered injuries while carrying out covert operations, describing them as largely unrecognised contributors to national security.

While acknowledging that Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges, stakeholders maintained that accountability and scrutiny of security institutions should be balanced with recognition of successes recorded in the fight against terrorism and violent crime.

According to them, many of the country’s security victories are achieved quietly through intelligence operations that prevent attacks before they occur, making intelligence officers among the nation’s most important, though often overlooked, defenders.