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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complement the recent salary increase for armed forces personnel with improved operational equipment, regular training and retraining, adequate insurance coverage, quality healthcare and decent housing for security operatives.
Usman made the call in on Wednesday in Sokoto while commending the President for approving an upward review of the salaries and welfare packages of armed forces personnel, describing the decision as a positive step towards boosting morale and enhancing operational efficiency.
He, however, stressed that improved remuneration alone would not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that sustained investment in personnel welfare, logistics and operational capacity was essential to winning the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to him, security personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices in protecting lives and property under difficult and dangerous conditions, making it imperative for the government to provide them with the tools and support needed to perform effectively.
The retired military officer also called on security operatives to reciprocate the government’s gesture by demonstrating greater commitment, professionalism, discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
On the country’s security situation, Usman advocated a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, noting that recent attacks in parts of the North-West and other regions showed that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace.
He said intelligence-led operations, improved border surveillance, deployment of modern technology and stronger coordination among the military, police, intelligence agencies and local security outfits should form the core of the kinetic approach.
He added that the non-kinetic strategy should focus on youth empowerment, education, vocational skills development, community dialogue, rehabilitation of repentant low-risk offenders and campaigns against drug abuse and other criminal activities that fuel insecurity.
Usman further urged governors in the North-West to deepen regional collaboration through intelligence sharing, harmonised community policing, joint investment in surveillance infrastructure and coordinated efforts to secure forests and other ungoverned spaces frequently exploited by criminal groups.
He also emphasised the importance of engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms.
Reaffirming the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to supporting security agencies, Usman called on Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace across the country.
