By Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
Sokoto State’s security reforms have gained fresh national attention following the induction of the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), as a Fellow of the Institute of Security, Nigeria.
The fellowship—conferred at the Institute’s 18th Annual International Security Conference and Investiture held at the University of Lagos—places the retired Army officer among the country’s top security professionals. But Col. Usman says the recognition is less personal and more a validation of Sokoto’s emerging security model.
“This honour is not mine alone. It reflects the work we are doing in Sokoto and the governor’s commitment to making security reforms real, not theoretical,” he said. “It is both a distinguished honour and a profound responsibility.”
Col. Usman used the platform to highlight key innovations driving Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s security agenda. These include the newly established State Security Coordination Centre, created to close long-standing gaps between conventional security agencies and community vigilante groups; the ‘Sokoto Safe-Haven’ rapid-response system; and the training of more than 2,000 personnel in intelligence gathering, human-rights compliance and modern policing.
He noted that his military background continues to guide his approach, emphasising discipline, teamwork and service. Looking ahead, he outlined plans for integrated intelligence networks, community-policing hubs and youth-driven programmes designed to curb radicalisation—an approach he described as “prevention before confrontation.”
“We must persevere in our collective mission to safeguard our nation,” he said, pledging to leverage his fellowship to attract more research-based strategies and nationwide collaboration.
Earlier, the Institute’s President, Professor James Olowokudejo, said Nigeria’s complex security challenges demand a shift from reactive responses to technology-driven, intelligence-led strategies.
“This year’s theme—Expanding Frontiers of Strategic Innovations and Security Enhancement—could not be more timely,” he noted.
Retired senior military officers who spoke at the event—including Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd.), represented by Major Y. Ashiru, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.)—also stressed the need for stronger community engagement, digital tools, and addressing root causes of insecurity such as poverty and unemployment.
The conference closed with a renewed commitment to deepen inter-agency cooperation, strengthen training and embed innovation into national security frameworks. The Institute said its resolutions would contribute to future policy recommendations.
With Col. Usman’s elevation to Fellow, analysts believe Sokoto’s homegrown security strategies may now receive closer national study—offering possible templates for other states grappling with similar threats.
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