The Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd.), has backed the Federal Government’s plan to gradually withdraw military personnel from internal security operations.
He said the move would enable the police to assume greater responsibility for maintaining law and order.
Usman, however, warned that the proposed withdrawal must be carefully managed to prevent security gaps that could be exploited by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The retired military officer stated this in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Sokoto.
He described the Federal Government’s plan as a welcome development, arguing that the military should concentrate on defending the country’s territorial integrity rather than being overstretched by routine domestic security assignments.
His position followed an announcement by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), that the Armed Forces would gradually withdraw from internal security operations as the Federal Government strengthens the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.
Musa made the announcement at the APC Abuja Roundtable, where he acknowledged that prolonged military involvement in internal security duties had overstretched military personnel and resources.
Supporting the minister’s position, Usman said the police were constitutionally better positioned to handle routine internal security responsibilities, including crime prevention, law enforcement and the maintenance of public order.
“This is a welcome development because the military should not be unnecessarily burdened with responsibilities that are primarily meant for the police. The police are better positioned to handle routine internal security duties, including crime prevention, law enforcement and maintenance of public order,” he said.
He explained that allowing security agencies to operate within their respective constitutional mandates would promote professionalism, improve operational efficiency and ensure the effective utilisation of available resources.
According to him, the military should focus more on confronting terrorists, bandits and other threats to national security that require specialised military capabilities.
However, Usman cautioned against a hasty withdrawal, stressing the need for adequate security arrangements to be put in place before the military disengages from domestic operations.
“The withdrawal must be gradual and properly coordinated to avoid creating security gaps, especially in areas facing serious threats from terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements,” he warned.
He clarified that the proposed disengagement from routine internal security assignments should not amount to a complete withdrawal of military support whenever domestic security situations become overwhelming.
“The military will still be needed whenever security situations go beyond the operational capacity of the police and other relevant agencies. What is important is to ensure that every security institution performs its assigned responsibilities effectively,” he added.
The security adviser also called for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to improve the country’s response to security threats.
He identified intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and effective communication as critical components of a sustainable security framework.
Usman further urged the Federal Government to increase investment in police recruitment, specialised training, modern equipment, intelligence gathering and operational logistics to prepare the force for the additional responsibilities.
“It is important to adequately equip and train the police before transferring greater responsibility to them. The force must have the personnel, technology, intelligence capabilities and logistics required to respond effectively to security threats,” he said.
He expressed optimism that strengthening the police while allowing the military to concentrate on its primary constitutional responsibilities would improve Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance the protection of lives and property.
