Troops withdrawal must not create security gaps – Sokoto gov’s aide

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman, retd., has cautioned against the hasty withdrawal of military personnel from internal security operations.

Usman, while supporting the Federal Government’s plan to gradually withdraw troops from routine internal security duties, said the process must be carefully coordinated to prevent security gaps.

He said this in a statement issued in Sokoto on Saturday, following the announcement by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, retd., that the military would gradually withdraw from internal security operations as the government strengthens the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

Usman said the military should focus on defending the country’s territorial integrity and tackling threats such as terrorism and banditry, while the police take greater responsibility for routine law enforcement and the maintenance of public order.

“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 said.

He stressed that the withdrawal of troops from routine internal security duties should not prevent the military from intervening when security situations exceed the capacity of the police and other agencies.

Usman also called for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies through improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen the police through increased recruitment, specialised training, modern equipment and improved intelligence-gathering capabilities.