Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a more localised approach to security recruitment and deployment, arguing that such a strategy would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
In a post shared on his verified X handle on Wednesday, Sani said the most effective way to confront rising insecurity is to recruit military and police personnel from communities worst affected by violent crimes and to deploy them directly to their states of origin. According to him, officers who understand the cultural and geographical landscape of their own regions possess a strategic advantage over personnel posted from unfamiliar parts of the country.
Sani explained that locally sourced security personnel would be better equipped to interpret terrain, track criminal movements, and navigate complex environments that often hinder counter-terror operations. He stressed that familiarity with local languages, customs, and informal networks could significantly improve intelligence gathering and response time.
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The former lawmaker also called for comprehensive and modern training for recruits, as well as the provision of sophisticated equipment, insisting that no counter-terrorism strategy can succeed without adequately equipping those on the front lines.
His remarks come amid a renewed surge in security incidents across Nigeria, with bandit attacks, mass abductions, and insurgent activities continuing to threaten communities in the North-West, North-East, and other regions. In recent weeks, the kidnapping of schoolchildren, travellers, and rural residents has once again raised widespread concerns about the country’s security architecture and the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively.
Sani argued that prioritising recruitment from highly affected regions would not only bolster the security forces but also restore public confidence in government efforts to safeguard lives and property.
“In combating bandits and terrorists, the recruitment of military and police personnel should emphasize regions with the highest levels of insecurity,” he wrote. “They should be recruited, trained, equipped, and sent to their states and regions to fight the criminals. They know their terrain better than anyone.”
The Federal Government and security agencies have yet to formally respond to Sani’s recommendation. Still, the debate over localised security recruitment continues to gather momentum as Nigerians seek more effective solutions to the country’s persistent security challenges.
