By Samson Obande,  Lafia

Governor Abdullahi Sule has inaugurated the Nasarawa State Security Advisory Council with a charge on members to tackle the economic and social drivers of insecurity beyond conventional policing.

The inauguration which took place on Monday at Government House in Lafia, comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the governor stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard peace and stability in the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sule said the security challenges facing Nasarawa were increasingly complex and demanded a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach.

 “Sustainable security requires justice, dialogue, responsible leadership, economic opportunity, community participation, and mutual trust between citizens and government,” he said.

He noted that the Council would combine enforcement with prevention, intelligence gathering, and development, and would work closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups to strengthen early warning systems.

The Governor clarified that the Council was not created to duplicate the work of existing security agencies but to complement them through strategic coordination, analysis, and policy advice.

Governor Sule listed the Council’s mandate to include:

– Advising government on the day-to-day security situation in the state 

– Strengthening intelligence-driven security operations 

– Examining frameworks for community policing 

– Bridging the gap between government and grassroots communities through continuous dialogue 

He urged members to discharge their duties with seriousness, impartiality, and confidentiality.

The Council is chaired by Maj. Gen. Iliyasu Isah Abbah (Rtd), former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, Chad.

Other members are: 

– AVM. Bimitawuza Dauda Solomon (Rtd)

– DIG Mohammed Ali Doma (Rtd) 

– Brig. Gen. Jafaru Agbashi Ebu (Rtd) 

– Wg. Cdr. Umar Mohammed Awe (Rtd) 

– Wg. Cdr. Mukhtar Usman (Rtd) 

– CP Isa Usman Baba (Rtd)

– CSC Adamu Tanko Umar (Rtd) 

Pharmacist Iliya Sunday, Permanent Secretary, Security and Sundry Matters, serves as Secretary.

The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, said the inauguration reflected the governor’s resolve to ensure peace and development, adding that appointees were selected based on experience and integrity.

Responding on behalf of the Council, Chairman Maj. Gen. Abbah pledged to address poverty, unemployment, and social dislocation as drivers of crime. He also assured that the Council would support efforts to ensure that political activities ahead of 2027 are conducted peacefully and within the law.

“Political ambition must never outweigh the sanctity of human life or the stability of our communities,” he said.