A key role in resolving Nigeria’s security concerns is played by traditional rulers in the country, according to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
While visiting Umuahia with students from Senior Course 47 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Eze Okey Ananaba, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, communicated this message on behalf of Eze Linus Nto Mbah. Community leadership structures and security authorities should work together more closely, he said.
“We are the first responders, the surveillance agents, and the moral anchors of our communities,” the monarch said, underscoring the importance of using grassroots intelligence and cultural expertise to combat national security threats.
As part of a countrywide Environmental Study Tour with the topic “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security,” the event was held in Umuahia on May 8th.
The head of state emphasized the importance of traditional leaders and the many ways in which they contribute to the safety of the country.
“Keeping an eye out for newcomers, noticing suspicious behavior, and sustaining informal networks of palace informants.
His list included community policing, as well as organizing and monitoring vigilante organizations that collaborate with law enforcement and military troops.
There is a lack of formal security training for palace officials, local security organizations do not receive enough financing, and villages without formally installed traditional rulers have intelligence gaps, among other concerns that the Abia traditional rulers brought to light regarding community security.
The leader of the Jaji team, Brigadier General Nnaemeka Oghili, explained the delegation’s purpose by saying that traditional institutions are highly valued by the Nigerian Armed Forces for their contributions to security operations.
As a course requirement, this tour is crucial. He went on to say that this allowed their officers to better grasp the situation on the ground and communicate with stakeholders like you on a personal level.