By Nwuche
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, including the creation of state police, licensing of firearms to responsible citizens and a crackdown on sponsors of terrorism, as the country continues to grapple with worsening insecurity.
Speaking in an interview, Nwuche said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown commendable political will in addressing recent security challenges, particularly through the prompt rescue of abducted church worshippers in Kwara State and schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger states.
According to him, the President’s decision to replace service chiefs and reconfigure the nation’s security structure has begun to yield results, although he noted that deeper reforms are still required to achieve lasting peace.
“The President has done well by responding promptly to recent terrorist activities in the North.
The changes in the security leadership and the more aggressive posture of the military are already showing signs of effectiveness,” he said, citing recent rescue operations carried out by security forces.
Nwuche, however, expressed concern over the persistent wave of kidnappings, killings and attacks across the country, linking many of the incidents to armed groups largely drawn from Fulani extraction.
He urged Fulani elders and leaders to publicly distance themselves from criminal elements within their communities in the interest of national unity.
“If one tribe is seen as terrorising the entire country, it will naturally breed resentment and threaten national cohesion,” he warned, while commending voices such as former senator Shehu Sani for openly condemning criminality.
On speculation that insecurity tends to escalate during election periods, Nwuche said historical patterns suggest political actors may have previously exploited armed groups to influence outcomes, citing events surrounding the 2015 elections.
He stressed that the roots of the crisis predate the Tinubu administration and were allowed to fester due to weak enforcement and failure to dismantle terror networks.
He also questioned how non-state actors acquired sophisticated weapons capable of challenging Nigeria’s armed forces, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
Reacting to the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection and calls for citizens to bear arms, the former lawmaker said security agencies must focus on protecting all Nigerians, not just political elites. He argued that responsible citizens should be licensed to carry firearms after proper vetting, noting that denying law-abiding citizens the right to self-defence while terrorists remain heavily armed only emboldens criminals.
Nwuche further advocated the establishment of state police and well-armed local vigilante groups, particularly in states such as Plateau and Benue, where repeated attacks have claimed hundreds of lives.
On claims that armed herdsmen are pursuing jihadist or land-grabbing agendas, he said there is growing evidence of targeted displacement in some regions and urged the government to investigate and prosecute not only terrorists but also their sponsors.
He warned against allowing insecurity to degenerate into ethnic self-help and uncontrolled arms proliferation, stressing that government intervention remains critical.
Addressing insecurity in Abuja, Nwuche expressed confidence in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying recent police operations show that decisive action can restore confidence.
He also supported seeking international assistance if Nigeria’s security agencies become overwhelmed, noting that terrorism has economic and migration consequences that affect other countries.
Finally, Nwuche called for a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, urging authorities to investigate individuals who negotiate or speak on behalf of terror groups, including religious figures allegedly acting as intermediaries.
“Nigeria must confront terrorism decisively, without fear or favour, if peace is to return,” he said.