A security expert and 2019 governorship candidate in Kwara State, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has identified community policing as one of the most effective frameworks for tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
Ajia said the adoption of community policing would enable security agencies to gather critical information from local communities, who he noted have become soft targets for violent non-state actors due to their vulnerability.
He made the remarks in an interview with journalists shortly after formally defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at his political ward, Magaji Ngeri, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Ajia explained that recent developments in the country demonstrated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing security challenges head-on, particularly through the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence.
He said; ‘the choice of the new minister indicated that the country cannot afford to politicise insecurity.’
The APC chieftain noted that the current security challenge transcends a purely kinetic approach, requiring the collective involvement of all Nigerians.
He urged citizens to regard bandits as enemies of the state, stressing that national interest and the wellbeing of citizens must take precedence over political and religious differences.
Ajia said; “One of the major reasons that anchored our move to APC is to support the government. Every patriotic Nigerian and every reasonable person today will have to come and support the government in fighting insecurity. It is a reality; we have serious insecurity in this country. Kwara is having its own share.
“But some of us are saying the better approach is for all of us to come together and consider these elements as enemies of the state. With our background in security and knowledge of community policing, some of us know. My thesis for Doctor of Philosophy is Community Policing and National Security.
“So, some of the research we have carried out, alongside practical experience I had while in the Police, has reaffirmed that the only way to tackle insecurity in Nigeria is to adopt the concept of community policing. That is why we are now ready to work with the government to create awareness in communities across Kwara State and Nigeria, so that we can all see these elements as enemies of the state, not enemies of any political party.”
“This is what led to our movement from the previous political party, from which we parted on very good terms. I told everybody I had a wonderful time with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But for me, it is now time, for the sake of national interest, the wellbeing of our people, to move forward. Today, we are now in the APC,” he said.
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According to Ajia, unity among citizens is essential for overcoming insecurity.
He cautioned against politicising national security, warning that playing the opposition card on critical issues, particularly insecurity, could undermine collective progress.
Ajia urged citizens to view Nigeria as a shared national project requiring cooperation and responsibility from all stakeholders.
Commenting on preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC chieftain confirmed he had completed his formal registration with the party.
He described his defection as a symbolic move to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to back the development agenda of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Ajia said that “several policies introduced by the federal government were already yielding positive outcomes, describing them as necessary reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and steering the country away from collapse.”
He said they would mobilise across the nooks and crannies of the state to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu, which he described as crucial for the country’s continued progress.