Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated the state’s Security Advisory Council to tackle the rising crime wave in the state.
Addressing members of the counci, the governor emphasised the need to move beyond standard policing methods to actively target the socio-economic drivers fueling local crimes.
Governor Sule noted that modern security threats in Nasarawa require sophisticated, intelligence-led solutions rather than relying solely on personnel deployment and tactical gear.
He stressed that sustainable safety hinges on expanding economic opportunities to reduce crime incentives and strengthening trust and constructive dialogue between citizens and the government.
Sule also explained that the security body will partner traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women’s groups to improve information gathering, particularly regarding border security and forest management.
The governor clarified that the panel’s objective is not to replace or duplicate the duties of existing security bodies such as the Police, Armed Forces, DSS, or Civil Defence but to reinforce their efforts through strategic policy guidance, intelligence analysis, and multi-agency coordination.
He said advisory council has been tasked with several primary duties including providing continuous intelligence assessments and daily security recommendations to the state government.
The governor added the body is also tasked with the duty of formulating and refining frameworks for community-driven policing,
strengthening early-warning mechanisms through active communication with traditional and local leaders to resolve disputes before they escalate.
The council is chaired by Major General Elias Abba (rtd), former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The body comprises several retired senior officers from the military, police, and paramilitary services, including:
AVM B.D. Solomon (rtd), DIG Mohammed Ali Ari Doma (rtd), Brigadier General Japo Abashi Ebu (rtd), Wing Commander Umar Ibrahim Mohammed Awe (rtd), Wing Commander Mukhtar Usman (rtd),
CP Isa Usman Baba (rtd), CSC Adamu Tanko Umar (rtd), Pharmacist Iliya Sunday, Permanent Secretary for Security and Sundry Matters, serves as the council’s Secretary.
Commenting on the inauguration, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Labaran Magaji, SAN, praised the governor’s initiative, noting that the members were appointed based on their proven integrity, track record, and deep understanding of local security dynamics.
In his response, General Abba pledged the panel’s commitment to addressing systemic issues like poverty, unemployment, and social disruption as primary drivers of criminal activity.
Speaking on the upcoming 2027 general elections, Abba emphasised that political interests must not compromise public safety saying “Political ambition must never outweigh the sanctity of human life or the stability of our communities.”
He assured residents that the council will support security agencies to ensure that political activities remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly leading up to the elections.
