Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has called for greater involvement of traditional institutions in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, saying their integration into the national security framework would enhance peace and stability across the country.
The Emir made the call on Tuesday when he received a delegation from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, led by Professor Tehimba Shija, at the Zazzau Emirate Palace in Zaria.
Ambassador Bamalli observed that insecurity, which was once concentrated in specific parts of the country, has now spread across nearly all regions, restricting movement between states, disrupting socio-economic activities, and heightening fear among citizens.
He noted that traditional institutions possess strong grassroots intelligence networks through district heads, village heads, and community leaders, which position them to provide timely and credible information on developments within their communities.
According to him, these structures should be effectively integrated into Nigeria’s broader security architecture to strengthen early warning systems and community-based security responses.
The Emir also identified disputes over land use and the blockage of traditional grazing routes as key drivers of recurring clashes between farmers and herders. He called for a review of existing policies to promote peaceful coexistence among affected communities.
He further expressed concern that many research findings and policy recommendations from academic and strategic institutions are often not implemented, urging closer collaboration between researchers and policymakers to translate studies into practical solutions.
Ambassador Bamalli commended Nasarawa State University for focusing its research on the theme, “Insecurity, Non-State Actors and Military-Civilian Coordination,” describing it as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s current security realities.
Earlier, the Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Professor Tehimba Shija, said the delegation’s visit to the Zazzau Emirate Palace was informed by the emirate’s historical role in promoting peace, unity, and development.
He explained that the study aims to examine the root causes of insecurity and identify practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Professor Shija added that the delegation, comprising about 80 participants of Course Nine of the Security and Strategic Studies Programme, would engage with military formations, traditional institutions, and communities as part of the field exercise.