Establishment of Homeland Security office, timely,  strategic – Sokoto Governor’s aide 

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Sokoto State on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd), has welcomed the establishment of Homeland Security office, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative that would strengthen Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.

Presidenf Bola Tinubu last week appointed Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

In a statement on Sunday,  Usman said the new office will help to coordinate response to the increasing complexity of modern security threats across the country.

“This development reflects the Federal Government’s recognition that Nigeria’s current security realities require more specialized coordination mechanisms capable of addressing emerging domestic threats, enhancing civilian protection, and improving inter-agency collaboration across all levels of government.

“For decades, the nation’s security management framework has largely operated through centralized coordination under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

” While this structure has played a significant role in preserving national security coordination, the increasing complexity of modern threats—such as banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, transnational terrorism, and communal conflicts—demands additional layers of operational specialization and rapid-response coordination.”

According to him, the creation of the Homeland Security portfolio should not be misconstrued as an attempt to undermine or render the Office of the National Security Adviser irrelevant.

“On the contrary, the new office is expected to function as a complementary structure that enhances domestic security coordination while supporting the broader national security objectives being driven by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

“ONSA remains the central coordinating institution for Nigeria’s overall security framework, and any effective homeland security structure must work in synergy with existing institutions, not in competition with them.

“Functional specialization is a global best practice designed to improve efficiency, intelligence sharing, and operational response, not institutional rivalry.”

He said that Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving security coordination and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“The administration continues to work closely with the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, local vigilante formations, and community stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore confidence among citizens.

“The state government has also invested significantly in logistical support for security agencies, including the provision of operational vehicles, communication equipment, motorcycles, and welfare support to personnel operating in vulnerable communities across the state.

“Furthermore, the administration prioritizes community-based security engagement, recognizing that local intelligence and citizen cooperation remain essential tools in combating insecurity.

“Through continuous collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local government authorities, Sokoto State has sustained efforts toward conflict prevention, early warning systems, and peaceful coexistence.

“The appointment of Major General Famadewa (Rtd), given his extensive military and operational experience, presents an opportunity to deepen federal-state security collaboration and strengthen internal security management across the federation.

“As Nigeria continues to confront increasingly decentralized and asymmetric threats, institutional innovation and coordinated specialization remain critical to achieving lasting peace and stability,” Usman said.

The Special Adviser urged all stakeholders to support this initiative in the national interest and to avoid narratives capable of creating unnecessary institutional tension within the country’s security framework.