Insecurity: Why Community Policing Remains Best Option – Expert

A security expert and former 2019 governorship candidate in Kwara State, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has canvassed the adoption of community policing as a strategic framework to confront the country’s worsening insecurity.

Ajia said the model would enable security agencies to gather credible intelligence at the grassroots, noting that local communities have become easy prey for violent non-state actors due to their vulnerability and limited protection.

He spoke shortly after formally defecting to the All Progressives Congress at his Magaji Ngeri ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to him, recent developments at the federal level reflect renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.

He cited the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as evidence that the administration is determined to confront the challenge decisively.

Ajia described the decision as a demonstration of seriousness, stressing that “Nigeria can no longer afford to politicize insecurity”.

He argued that the security crisis confronting the nation extends beyond a purely kinetic response but requires collective responsibility from citizens, community leaders and political actors.

The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to regard bandits as enemies of the state rather than instruments of political contestation.

He emphasized that national interest and public safety must override partisan and religious considerations.

“One of the major reasons that anchored our movement to APC is to support the government.

“Every patriotic Nigerian must come together to confront insecurity. It is a reality that we have serious security challenges across the country, and Kwara is not exempt”, Ajia said.

Drawing from his academic and professional background, Ajia noted that his doctoral thesis focused on community policing and national security.

He maintained that both research findings and field experience affirm that grassroots engagement remains the most sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security dilemma.

He said his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party was amicable and driven by national considerations rather than political grievance.

“For me, it is about national wellbeing and the safety of our people. We have parted on good terms. But at this moment, supporting the government of the day in addressing insecurity is paramount,” he said.

Ajia warned against deploying opposition rhetoric on matters of national security, cautioning that politicizing critical challenges could derail progress and weaken collective resolve.

He called on citizens to see Nigeria as a shared national project that demands cooperation, vigilance and civic responsibility from all stakeholders.

On the 2027 general elections, Ajia confirmed that he had completed his formal registration with the APC and described his move as symbolic support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and the development agenda of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He expressed confidence that recent federal policies were beginning to yield results.

He characterized them as necessary reforms designed to stabilize the economy and reposition the country.

Ajia said he and his supporters would mobilize across communities in Kwara State in support of the President’s second term ambition.

He insisted that continuity was essential for national progress.

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