By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A security expert has raised concerns over the emergence of new armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, warning that evolving attack tactics could worsen insecurity in the region.The warning was contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) by Abdullahi A. U. Ladan, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police and Chief Executive Officer of Banpet Security Education and Surveillance Services.
In the letter, Ladan said recent incidents involving attacks on security formations, towns and villages indicate changing security dynamics that require urgent attention from government authorities.He stated that intelligence assessments suggest the presence of new criminal groups that appear organised and capable of exploiting existing security gaps.
Ladan urged northern governors to strengthen cooperation among security agencies, local communities and traditional institutions to improve intelligence sharing and early response to emerging threats. Among the short-term measures he proposed are the creation of rapid response teams and improved coordination between security forces and community leaders.
For long-term solutions, the security expert recommended economic empowerment programmes, expanded education and vocational training, stronger border surveillance and community-based peacebuilding initiatives. He also called for reforms aimed at improving professionalism and accountability within security agencies, alongside greater efforts to address poverty and unemployment.
Ladan said a comprehensive approach involving government, communities and development partners would help reduce violence, rebuild public trust and support long-term stability in the region.
