Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility, Don’t Politicise Insecurity – Ex-DIG Gumel

A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Secretary of Project 774 Network for Asiwaju, Muhammad Hussaini Gumel, has urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for addressing insecurity, insisting that security is a collective responsibility that should not be politicised.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja, Gumel said tackling insecurity at the grassroots requires community-driven solutions, noting that crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and other violent offences are largely concentrated within local government areas.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to improving national security through key reforms, including local government financial autonomy, which he believes will empower councils to play a more active role in protecting their communities.

According to the retired police chief, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and residents possess valuable knowledge of their local environments and should work closely with security agencies to identify criminal elements and strengthen intelligence gathering.

Gumel commended the sacrifices of the military, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He called on Nigerians to support security personnel by providing credible information rather than undermining their efforts.

On the proposed establishment of state police, Gumel expressed strong support, describing decentralised policing as a critical step toward enhancing community security and improving intelligence at the local level.

While acknowledging concerns over potential abuse, he maintained that such challenges could be addressed through constitutional amendments and appropriate legal safeguards.

The retired DIG also disclosed that a stakeholders’ conference on community participation in national security would soon be held, bringing together prominent traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and other key stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for tackling insecurity across the country.

He added that the conference would conclude with a citizens’ declaration, reaffirming the commitment of Nigerians to support security agencies and work collectively towards ending insecurity nationwide.