The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor of Sokoto State, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd) has been inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, a recognition he described as both “a distinguished honour and a profound responsibility.”
The award was conferred on him at the weekend during the Institute’s 18th Annual International Security Conference and Investiture held at the University of Lagos.
In his acceptance remarks, Col. Usman expressed deep appreciation to the Institute for acknowledging his contributions to security development in Sokoto State.
He also commended Governor Aliyu for his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment” which, he said, has made meaningful security reforms possible in the state.
He noted that his years in the Nigerian Army instilled discipline, teamwork and service—values that continue to guide his civilian work in addressing security threats.
Col. Usman highlighted key achievements under the Sokoto State government, including the establishment of the State Security Coordination Centre to strengthen synergy among security agencies and community vigilante groups.
He also mentioned the “Sokoto Safe-Haven” rapid-response initiative and the training of over 2,000 personnel on intelligence gathering, human-rights compliance and contemporary policing.
Looking ahead, he outlined plans to develop integrated intelligence networks, community-policing hubs and youth empowerment programmes designed to prevent radicalisation and crime. He pledged to use his new fellowship to support research, capacity-building and wider national collaborations. “We must persevere in our collective mission to safeguard our nation,” he said.
Earlier, President of the Institute, Professor James Olowokudejo, said the nation was grappling with numerous security problems that demanded innovative and technology-driven solutions. He noted that this year’s theme—“Expanding Frontiers of Strategic Innovations and Security Enhancement for Democratic Nation Building in Nigeria”—was timely, stressing that security professionals must adopt proactive approaches, leverage technology and strengthen partnerships to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Olowokudejo also urged political leaders to prioritise security by providing adequate resources to frontline personnel.
He added that capacity building and continuous training remained vital to enhancing the effectiveness of security agencies nationwide.
Also speaking, the Patron of the Institute, Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd.), represented by Major Y. Ashiru, said Nigeria’s security landscape required bold reforms grounded in intelligence-led operations, community engagement and modern technology.
He maintained that a robust national security architecture was crucial to stability and development, adding that accountability and professionalism must be upheld within all security institutions.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), called for strengthening community-based security initiatives and sustained training for personnel.
He urged authorities to address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, unemployment and radicalisation—through targeted programmes.
Buratai commended initiatives that incorporate spiritual and communal efforts into peace-building, saying such approaches can complement conventional strategies.
The conference ended with a renewed commitment from participants to deepen collaboration, adopt innovative solutions and strengthen capacity building across the security sector. The Institute said resolutions from the meeting would help shape future national security policies.
