Troops withdrawal should not create safety gaps – Sokoto gov’s aide

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman, retd., has cautioned towards the hasty withdrawal of navy personnel from inner safety operations.

Usman, whereas supporting the Federal Government’s plan to progressively withdraw troops from routine inner safety duties, stated the method have to be rigorously coordinated to forestall safety gaps.

He stated this in an announcement issued in Sokoto on Saturday, following the announcement by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, retd., that the navy would progressively withdraw from inner safety operations as the federal government strengthens the capability of the Nigeria Police Force.

Usman stated the navy ought to deal with defending the nation’s territorial integrity and tackling threats corresponding to terrorism and banditry, whereas the police take higher duty for routine regulation enforcement and the upkeep 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 stated.

He harassed that the withdrawal of troops from routine inner safety duties shouldn’t forestall the navy from intervening when safety conditions exceed the capability of the police and different businesses.

Usman additionally referred to as for stronger collaboration among the many Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and different safety businesses by improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen the police by elevated recruitment, specialised coaching, fashionable gear and improved intelligence-gathering capabilities.