Insecurity: Coalition Demands Immediate Establishment of Legal Framework for Establishment of State Police

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A coalition of youth leaders and regional stakeholder groups has demanded the immediate establishment of a legal and policy framework for the establishment of State police.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently re-engage the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the federal government tackles the alarming insecurity in the country.

The coalition in a communiqué issued Tuesday and jointly signed by Dr. Kennedy West, President, MOSIEND and Isaac Oweicho for National Coalition of Youth and Regional Stakeholder Organisations expressed deep concern over Gen. Musa’s unexpected retirement in October.

Recall that Abubakar Badaru resigned his position on Monday as the Minister of Defence, citing health grounds. The same day, the president met with Musa at Ado Rock Villa fuelling speculations that he might take over from Badaru

The coalition, however, added that Musa’s exit created widespread unease among young people, especially those familiar with his exceptional discipline, operational brilliance and firm leadership style, which had contributed to stabilising several volatile regions in recent years.

It pointed out that Nigeria is in dire need of decisive, intelligent, and uncompromising security leadership, saying Musa remained one of the finest assets this country has produced in modern military history.

The coalition noted that with rising insecurity occasioned by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, rural attacks, oil-corridor sabotage and organised criminal networks, the country cannot afford to sideline a man with such unmatched strategic capacity.

To this end, the coalition demanded: “Immediate establishment of legal and policy framework for the establishment of State Police

“Comprehensive re-vetting of all military recruits and personnel; Zero tolerance consequences for terrorists and bandits,

“Deployment of advanced technology. Strengthening local intelligence networks. Convocation of a national security emergency forum to tackle the hydra-headed emerging security challenges.”

The coalition appealed to Tinubu to deploy Musa in a special security appointment that would coordinate the nation’s security architecture and drive a unified strategy to restore order and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.

It said: “Mr President is known for identifying exceptional talent and placing them where the nation needs them most. Gen. Musa is one such rare talent. Recalling him now will significantly boost national security outcomes.

“We urge Mr President to act swiftly. The security of our people cannot wait. Nigeria needs Gen. Musa’s expertise back in the system—and now is the time.”