By Muhammad Nasir
Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, an honour he described as both “a distinguished privilege and a profound responsibility.”
The fellowship was conferred on him during the Institute’s 18th Annual International Security Conference and Investiture held on Saturday at the University of Lagos.
In a statement he personally signed and issued in Sokoto on Sunday, Usman expressed appreciation to the Institute for acknowledging his contributions to security development in the state.
He also commended Aliyu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, which he said had enabled meaningful security reforms in Sokoto state.
Usman said that his years of military service instilled discipline, teamwork and dedication—values that continue to guide his civilian efforts in addressing security challenges.
“Under our watch, we have established the State Security Coordination Centre to strengthen synergy among security agencies and community vigilante groups.
“This has remained a credible ladder to the success of the Sokoto Safe Haven initiative, which had enhanced rapid response operations and facilitated the training of over 2,000 personnel in intelligence gathering, human rights compliance and contemporary policing,” he said.
The special adviser outlined plans to deepen integrated intelligence networks, expand community policing hubs and implement youth empowerment programmes aimed at preventing radicalisation and crime.
“With this fellowship, I am further encouraged to support research, capacity building and national collaborations.
“We must persevere in our collective mission to safeguard our nation,” he added.
Earlier, the Institute’s President, Prof. James Olowokudejo, said Nigeria was grappling with numerous security challenges that required innovative and technology-driven solutions.
He stated that this year’s theme ‘Expanding Frontiers of Strategic Innovations and Security Enhancement for Democratic Nation Building in Nigeria’, was timely.
He also stressed the need for proactive strategies, technological adoption and stronger partnerships to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Olowokudejo urged political leaders to prioritise security by providing adequate resources to frontline personnel.
He emphasised that continuous training and capacity building remain vital to enhancing security agencies’ effectiveness.
Also speaking, the Institute’s Patron, retired Gen. Olu Bajowa, said Nigeria’s security landscape demanded bold reforms anchored on intelligence-led operations, community engagement and modern technology.
He maintained that a robust national security architecture was essential to national stability and development, adding that accountability and professionalism must be upheld across all security institutions.
The former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, called for strengthened community-based security initiatives and sustained training for personnel.
He urged the authorities to address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, unemployment and radicalisation—through targeted programmes.
Buratai also commended initiatives that incorporate spiritual and communal efforts into peace-building, saying such approaches can complement conventional security strategies.
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