A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Hussaini Gumel, has called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for addressing insecurity, insisting that protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility that should not be politicised.
Gumel, who also serves as Secretary of the Project 774 Network for Asiwaju, made the call during an interview with Radio Nigeria, monitored by ASHENEWS, where he stressed that community participation remains critical to tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
He observed that many security challenges occur at the grassroots, particularly in local government areas, and urged residents to work closely with security agencies in identifying criminal elements within their communities.
According to him, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to improving national security through ongoing reforms, including local government financial autonomy, which he said would enable councils to play a more active role in safeguarding their communities.
The retired police chief said traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and residents possess valuable knowledge of their local environments that can strengthen intelligence gathering and support security operations.
He commended the military, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, urging Nigerians to cooperate with security personnel rather than undermine their efforts.
Speaking on the proposed creation of state police, Gumel expressed support for decentralised policing, arguing that it would enhance community-based security and improve intelligence gathering. While acknowledging concerns over possible abuse of the system, he said such challenges could be addressed through constitutional amendments and appropriate legal safeguards.
Gumel also announced that the Project 774 Network for Asiwaju would hold a national sensitisation programme aimed at mobilising citizens to actively support efforts to combat insecurity.
The event, scheduled for July 27, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, is themed “Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing with Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.”
He said the conference would bring together traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for strengthening community participation in national security.
According to Gumel, the programme will conclude with a citizens’ declaration reaffirming support for security agencies and a collective commitment to ending insecurity across Nigeria.
