Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
I write to you as a concerned citizen and as someone deeply committed to the survival, peace, and stability of our dear nation. Nigeria is facing an unprecedented level of insecurity, and the centralised nature of our policing architecture is no longer adequate to confront the realities before us. Every week, Nigerians witness tragedies that could have been prevented or mitigated if our security system was decentralised, if communities were empowered, and if vetted citizens were allowed to legally protect themselves. The current model leaves millions exposed, helpless, and at the mercy of heavily armed criminals who operate with boldness and devastating efficiency.
Your Excellency, recent incidents underscore the urgency. The tragic ambush and killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State shocked the nation. A serving general—fully trained, experienced, and on active duty—was ambushed by insurgents who had superior advantage in terrain and tactical surprise. If such a senior officer could be overwhelmed by terrorists, it shows clearly that ordinary civilians and rural communities stand absolutely no chance against these groups under the present structure. Many observers believe that if communities surrounding those areas had stronger local policing capacity or vetted civilian defenders, early detection and quicker reinforcement could have altered the outcome or prevented the insurgents from moving so freely.
Another painful example is the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Eruku in Kwara State, where armed bandits stormed a place of worship during a live-streamed service, killing innocent worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor. The attackers operated unhindered, fleeing into the forest after the assault. This would likely have been deterred or disrupted if the local government had its own police structure, if state police were operational, or if vetted community members were allowed to bear arms. Worship centres—supposed sanctuaries of peace—have now become soft targets because communities are unarmed and local security structures are weak.
Equally distressing is the recurring kidnapping of schoolgirls in different parts of the country. Only recently, schoolgirls in Kebbi State were abducted during a night raid on their hostel, despite earlier intelligence warnings. The attackers came heavily armed, overpowered the limited security presence, killed a school official, and escaped with children into the bush. These incidents continue because schools—especially in rural areas—have no structured local policing, no armed rapid-response units, and no community defence capability. When criminals know that no one will resist them, they operate with confidence. In countries where school kidnappings are rare, it is largely because local security forces, armed school marshals, or vetted community protectors stand as first responders.
Your Excellency, these painful examples demonstrate the reality that the threats Nigerians face today are not abstract—they are immediate, pervasive, and growing. They also reveal that our people do not lack courage; what they lack are the legal tools, institutional structures, and security layers required to defend themselves when danger strikes. This is why the urgency for state police, local government police, regional commands, forest guards, and controlled civilian access to firearms cannot be overstated.
Empowering states to run their own police forces, allowing local governments to establish neighbourhood security units, and creating regional security commands will bring policing closer to the people and will drastically improve intelligence gathering and rapid response. Establishing vetted civilian firearm access—strictly regulated, professionally supervised, and limited to qualified individuals—will give law-abiding citizens a fighting chance in situations where federal security agencies cannot arrive on time. It is not a call for reckless armament; it is a call for structured self-defence in a nation where criminals are often better armed than communities.
Your Excellency, strengthening our borders is equally essential. Almost all these attackers escape into forests or cross into neighbouring countries, exploiting our porous borders. Strategic fencing, surveillance technology, and border policing will close the escape routes that embolden them. States also need forest guard units trained and equipped to patrol, track, and dismantle criminal bases hidden deep within the bush—something local manpower can achieve far better than distant federal units.
To prevent any misuse of decentralised security, the Federal Police should retain supervisory powers over state and local policing structures. Where required, Your Excellency retains full constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency and assume control if any state abuses the privilege. This ensures unity, discipline, and national cohesion while still enabling decentralised strength.
Your Excellency, insecurity is the greatest threat to our national stability, economic progress, foreign investment, and social harmony. Our current system cannot carry this burden alone. If we act now—boldly and decisively—we can rebuild a Nigeria where terrorists fear the people, not the other way around; where schoolchildren sleep safely; where worshippers gather without anxiety; and where criminals know that they can no longer attack and escape freely.
I therefore appeal with utmost respect and urgency that Your Excellency lead the nation into a new era of multi-layered security: state police, local government police, regional commands, forest guards, stricter border protection, and controlled firearm licensing for vetted citizens. These reforms will not only save lives—they will transform Nigeria’s security architecture permanently for the better.
Respectfully,
Barr. Kayode Omolayo, PhD.Email: skomolayo@gmail.com
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