In this interview, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd) the Special Adviser to Sokoto State governor on Security Matters, he commended the withdrawal of Police from VIPs saying it will marginally increase the number, but added however that it will make impact only if it is complimented with adequate equipment, modern technology and specialised training. He also submitted that Nigeria needs a holistic intelligence and technology driven operations to end the rave of insecurity.
Question:
Do you see the recent withdrawal of police aides from VIPs as having any meaningful impact on addressing insecurity across the country?
Response:
The directive may be well-intentioned, but its overall impact on national insecurity remains limited. While withdrawing police aides from VIPs could marginally increase the number of officers available for conventional policing, it does not automatically translate into improved security outcomes.
Nigeria’s security challenges are largely driven by insurgency, banditry and terrorism—threats that are inherently combat-oriented. By constitutional design and professional training, the Nigeria Police Force is not structured as a combat force. Under Section 214 of the Constitution and the Police Act, the police are primarily responsible for crime prevention through routine patrols, community policing, intelligence gathering, investigation and prosecution, and the maintenance of law and order.
Without adequate equipment, modern technology and specialised training, redeploying police personnel from VIP protection to frontline security duties will have limited impact. What Nigeria requires is a holistic security architecture anchored on intelligence-driven operations, strong inter-agency collaboration and a clear delineation of roles. Counter-insurgency operations should be led by the Armed Forces, while the police focus on internal security, community engagement and crime prevention.
While the policy may promote equity and curb excessive VIP protection, it must be complemented by sustained recruitment, improved welfare, modern weaponry and technology-driven policing to meaningfully address insecurity nationwide.
QUESTION:
How confident are you that the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff as Minister of Defence will translate to better performance in the Nation’s security sector?
RESPONSE:
Yes, without any doubt. The appointment of General Christopher Musa is a well-deserved national recognition of his distinguished service and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and stability. It comes at a critical time when the nation requires tested, strategic and disciplined leadership to reposition the defence sector.
Beyond his résumé, I speak from personal experience. I worked closely with General Musa in Maiduguri during my active service and know him to be calm under pressure, decisive, professional and deeply mission-focused. He understands both the operational realities on the ground and the strategic demands of high-level leadership.
As a former Chief of Defence Staff, he understands the system thoroughly and knows where reforms are urgently required. I expect tangible improvements in intelligence coordination, troop morale, operational efficiency and the accelerated adoption of modern defence technologies. Nigerians have high expectations, and based on his track record, I am confident he will deliver.
QUESTION:
As a security expert, what impact do you think the recent resolution of ₦1billion regional security fund by northern governors’ would make?
RESPONSE:
The decision by the Northern Governors to establish a ₦1 billion per state regional security fund is both timely and commendable. It reflects a growing understanding that insecurity in the North is interconnected and requires collective responsibility rather than isolated state responses.
From a strategic standpoint, the initiative has strong potential, but funding alone will not resolve
