News Investigators/ Ahmed Usman, the Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, on Security Matters, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving an upward review of the salaries and welfare packages of armed forces personnel.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday in Sokoto, Mr Usman described the development as a timely and strategic intervention capable of improving the morale, dedication and operational efficiency of personnel engaged in the fight against insecurity.
He said security operatives had continued to make enormous sacrifices in protecting lives and property, often working under difficult and dangerous conditions.
He added that improving their welfare was not only a reward for their patriotism but also a necessary investment in national peace and stability.
“A motivated security workforce is essential for effective intelligence gathering, rapid response to threats, and sustained counter-banditry and anti-crime operations,” he stated.
Mr Usman noted that renewed attention to the welfare of security personnel would encourage professionalism, reduce frustration among operatives and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
He, however, cautioned that salary increments alone should not be seen as the sole solution to the country’s security challenges.
The governor’s aide urged the Federal Government to complement the gesture with improved operational equipment, regular training and retraining, adequate insurance coverage, quality healthcare services, and decent housing schemes for security personnel and their families.
He also called on security operatives to reciprocate the government’s gesture with greater commitment, discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on the security situation in the country, Mr Usman stressed the need for the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in tackling banditry and other violent crimes.
According to him, recent attacks in parts of the North-West and other regions indicate that sustained military operations alone may not be sufficient to achieve lasting peace.
He said the kinetic approach should include intelligence-led military operations, improved border surveillance, deployment of modern technology, and stronger coordination among the military, police, intelligence agencies and local security outfits.
On the non-kinetic side, he recommended youth empowerment programmes, expansion of education and vocational training opportunities, community dialogue, rehabilitation initiatives for repentant low-risk offenders, and campaigns against drug abuse and other criminal activities that sustain bandit networks.
Mr Usman also advised governors of the North-West states to strengthen regional collaboration in addressing insecurity, noting that bandits often operate across state boundaries.
He urged the governors to establish a joint regional security coordination platform for intelligence sharing, harmonise community policing structures, invest collectively in surveillance infrastructure, and strengthen control of forests and other ungoverned spaces.
The retired military officer further called for closer engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to improve intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms.
He appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, stressing that community participation remained critical to the success of efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Mr Usman further reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Aliyu’s administration to supporting security agencies operating in Sokoto State and maintaining collaboration with federal security institutions to ensure the protection of citizens and the restoration of lasting peace across the state.
“Security is a collective responsibility. By combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures and strengthening regional cooperation, we can effectively confront banditry and build a safer Sokoto State and a more peaceful Nigeria,” he added.
NAN
