The Chairman of Benue Traditional Council of Chiefs, Tor Tiv James Ayatse, on Wednesday said the establishment of state police will address national security gaps in the country.
He made the declaration while speaking with newsmen after delivering a lecture to members of Senior Course 46 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.
He lecture was entitled: “Enhancing collaboration efforts between traditional institutions/community leaders and tactical/operational level leaders for effective counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.’’
The Tor Tiv argued that if the control of security is closer to the people, it would be more effective than having a central control at the center.
“In all the 36 states and the FCT, it will be difficult for an Inspector-General of Police, a single control point, to know about happenings in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“It is better to delegate the authority to the states and local governments so that commands can be issued and actions taken immediately in addressing issues bordering on insecurity,’’ the traditional ruler submitted.
Ayatse expressed optimism that proper protocols would be developed in the process to avoid abuse when state police outfits were eventually created.
The royal father recalled how traditional rulers played security roles before and after independence in 1960.
He recalled that traditional rulers were serving at the national level in the National Council of States and also at the state level.
He added that through the platforms, traditional rulers were involved in nation-building, peace, security and development.
According to him, if the traditional rulers’ roles are brought back effectively, they will enhance the fight against insecurity, which is a general issue that springs from the grassroots.
“Traditional rulers live among the people and have first-hand intelligence information which they can easily share with regular security authorities to stamp out criminality, insurgency and terrorism,’’ the Tor Tiv said.
He added that traditional rulers also played important roles in settling conflicts in their communities and between their communities and suggested that the role should be stated in the country’s Constitution.
Ayatse commended the military for its dedication, sacrifices and commitment towards ensuring unity in the country.
“We will continue to impress it on the government to look after the military better than it currently does.
“We are advocating for better welfare for the military, increase in its ranks and improved training, weaponry and all that it takes to discharge its responsibilities.
“We need the military. We will continue to support it in prayers and physically and in any way we can to make sure its services are not in vain.
“I believe with the military’s doggedness and commitment, we will scale through insecurity,’’ the traditional ruler stressed. (NAN)
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