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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd) has renewed calls for stronger community-based security initiatives across Nigeria, insisting that no nation can defeat rising threats without empowering local structures and deepening grassroots intelligence.
Buratai delivered his remarks at the 18th Annual International Security Conference and Investiture of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, where Sokoto State’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd), was inducted as a Fellow.
He emphasised that strengthening community participation, improving early-warning systems, and expanding local vigilance networks are essential for sustainable peace. Buratai urged governments at all levels to invest in youth-focused programmes, anti-radicalisation efforts, and poverty-reduction initiatives, identifying these as real solutions to insecurity.
He applauded initiatives blending spiritual guidance, community engagement, and formal security strategies, noting such models foster trust and support beyond conventional policing alone.
While receiving the honour, Col Usman Ahmed described his fellowship as “a distinguished honour and a profound responsibility.” He thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu for providing the leadership and political will that have enabled ongoing reforms in Sokoto’s security architecture.
He highlighted major milestones achieved under the present administration, including establishing the State Security Coordination Centre to harmonise operations among security agencies and vigilante groups.
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He further cited the “Sokoto Safe-Haven” rapid-response system and the training of more than 2,000 security personnel on intelligence gathering, human-rights compliance, and modern policing techniques.
Looking ahead, the security adviser pledged that the state would expand community-policing hubs, strengthen integrated intelligence networks, and scale up youth empowerment programmes aimed at preventing radicalisation and drug-related crime.
“We must persevere in our collective mission to safeguard our nation,” he said.
Earlier, the president of the Institute, Professor James Olowokudejo, remarked that Nigeria’s complex security challenges demand innovative, technology-driven, and proactive solutions. He challenged leaders to prioritise security funding and capacity building for frontline personnel.
The Institute’s Patron, General Olu Bajowa (rtd), represented by Major Y Ashiru, likewise stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations, modern technology, and professional accountability across all security institutions.
The conference closed with security stakeholders agreeing to deepen collaboration, enhance training, and adopt emerging innovations. Resolutions from the event will feed into future national security policies, according to the Institute.
