Year
2025
Abstract
In November 2024, a multi-agency simulation exercise was conducted in Abuja, Nigeria, involving key security agencies, emergency response, and public health stakeholders. The exercise aimed to assess and enhance preparedness, foster inter-agency collaboration, and improve coordination among different agencies and sectors in responding to complex emergencies and security threats.
This simulation brought together representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the National Securitment Advisor (ONSA) amongst others.
Scenarios, including coordinated attacks, were designed to test decision-making processes, resource allocation, and joint response protocols.
Lessons from the exercise highlighted the strengths and gaps in Nigeria's emergency preparedness framework. While the simulation demonstrated the ability of agencies to collaborate under pressure, it revealed critical areas that need improvement, including real-time communication and resource mobilization.Notably, the exercise emphasized the importance of integrating public health considerations into security planning, given the growing intersection of health and security threats.
The experience underscores the value of continuous capacity building, the establishment of clear roles and responsibilities, and the development of standardized operating procedures for multi-agency responses. The inclusion of international observers and technical advisors enriched the exercise.
This abstract discusses the strategic outcomes of the simulation exercise, including enhanced trust and collaboration among participating agencies, and proposes actionable recommendations for sustaining and scaling such initiatives across Nigeria.