APC chieftain Femi Sanni calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s security structure

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba), has condemned the attack by bandits on Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area, describing it as a painful reminder of the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

Araba, whose interventions in public discourse are drawing increasing attention across the state, expressed deep sympathy with families affected by the attack, noting that the recurring violence in vulnerable communities is both tragic and unacceptable.

He said, “No community in Kwara should be left to live under the constant threat of violence and fear,” stressing that the protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the government at all levels.

While acknowledging that insecurity has become a global challenge, the APC governorship hopeful maintained that Nigeria must urgently adopt localized, proactive and people-driven solutions to effectively confront the threat, amid warning that the persistence of attacks on rural communities underscores the limitations of the current centralized policing structure.

He therefore called on the federal government and the national assembly to fast-track the legal and constitutional framework for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical and long-overdue reform necessary for effective grassroots security.

According to him, empowering states with policing authority will significantly enhance intelligence gathering, response time and accountability in dealing with threats.

Similarly, Araba equally urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations across vulnerable areas and deepen collaboration with local vigilante groups, who often serve as first responders in rural communities, emphasizing that such partnerships would help bridge existing security gaps and restore confidence among residents.

He further called on the Federal Government to improve welfare packages for serving and retired police personnel, noting that a motivated and well-equipped police force remains critical to national stability and development.