A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., has reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party while expressing confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force for greater efficiency and improved welfare.
Ajia stated this on Thursday during separate courtesy visits to the Kwara State Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force and the Kwara State Command of the Department of State Service in Ilorin, where he identified with security agencies over prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
At the Police Command Headquarters, Ajia met with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, and team where he sympathised with the Commissioner and the command over the recent loss of police officers during violence attack in some communities within the state, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.
Ajia commended the sacrifices of security personnel who continue to risk their lives for the service of the nation, stressing that fallen officers should always be remembered for their courage and patriotism.
He said the administration of President Tinubu understands the strategic importance of the police in maintaining internal security and would continue to pursue reforms aimed at improving professionalism, welfare packages, pension administration, promotion opportunities and operational effectiveness within the force.
The Ilorin-born retired police officer stressed that genuine police reform must prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of officers, especially rank-and-file personnel who bear the burden of frontline policing across the country.
According to him, improved salaries, functional pension structures, better accommodation, healthcare access and transparent promotion systems would boost morale and strengthen public confidence in the police institution. He further urged the government, police service commission and police authority to synergise and sustain massive recruitment of rank and files in to the police so as to boost the operational efficiency of the force .
Ajia lamented that many officers still operate under difficult conditions despite their sacrifices in protecting lives and property, noting that retirement challenges, delayed promotions and inadequate welfare support continue to affect morale within the force.
He therefore called for sustained intervention by the Federal Government and police authorities to guarantee dignity for officers both in active service and after retirement.
Speaking further on insecurity, Ajia described the situation as a regional challenge affecting several African countries. He linked part of the continent’s security crisis to the collapse of the Libyan government under the late Muammar Gaddafi, which he said contributed to the proliferation of arms and ammunition across the region.
The APC stalwart also urged Nigerians to support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing and closer cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
“Security is everybody’s business. The police and other security agencies cannot be everywhere at the same time. Citizens must see themselves as partners in progress by volunteering useful information capable of preventing crimes before they occur,” he said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ojo, appreciated Ajia for identifying with officers and men of the command and for sympathising with the police over the tragic loss of personnel during the violence attacks across the state . He described the visit as encouraging and timely.
He said security agencies require continuous public support and collaboration to effectively tackle criminal activities, adding that the police command remains committed to professionalism, intelligence-driven policing and protection of lives and property across Kwara State.
Ajia, the Ilorin-born security expert, also visited the Kwara State Command of the DSS, where he met with the State Director, Mr. Michael Oganwu.
During the visit, Ajia commended the DSS for its discreet but critical role in safeguarding national security, intelligence gathering and crime prevention. He noted that effective synergy among security agencies remains essential to addressing emerging security threats in Nigeria.
He urged security institutions to continue strengthening inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and community engagement in order to sustain peace and stability in the country.
Ajia further praised officers and personnel of the DSS for their sacrifices and professionalism, stating that Nigerians must appreciate the enormous responsibilities placed on security operatives working under difficult conditions.
In his remarks, the DSS Director, Mr. Oganwu, thanked Ajia for the visit and for his continued support for security institutions in the country. He stressed the importance of collaboration between citizens and security agencies in addressing criminality and maintaining public safety.
The DSS director assured that the service would continue to work with other security agencies and critical stakeholders to sustain peace and security in Kwara State and Nigeria at large. He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and patriotic by providing credible information capable of preventing security breaches.
Meanwhile, during a separate courtesy visit to the leadership of the APC in Kwara State, Ajia reaffirmed his commitment and loyalty to the party and the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening party unity, identifying with the leadership of the APC in the state and pledging continued support for the growth and stability of the party.
Ajia recalled that shortly after retiring from the Nigeria Police Force in 2017, he joined partisan politics and became actively involved in the affairs of Nigeria politics through the support and encouragement of party leaders and associates , among them is the state chairman of the APC Chief Sunday Fagbemi and Party Secretary Alh. Mustapha Ishowo.
He further appreciated some party stalwarts for recommending him to serve on the security committee during the 2026 APC national convention, a responsibility that later earned him the position of Chief Security Officer of the convention’s Situation Room.
Ajia disclosed that his performance during the assignment attracted recognition from the Minister of Defence, who subsequently invited him to play a strategic role in the convention’s security operations.
The Security expert stressed that he does not subscribe to divisive politics or bitterness, noting that his political philosophy has always been driven by credibility, grassroots acceptance and commitment to peace and party unity.
“I am not among those politicians who sit back and say it is none of my business simply because they are not contesting elections. Some of us have built credibility within our communities and among party members, and we must use that influence to stabilise and strengthen the party,” he said.
Ajia called on party members to embrace reconciliation, dialogue and unity of purpose in order to sustain the dominance of the APC in Kwara State and across Nigeria.
Responding, the Kwara State APC Chairman described Ajia as a dependable and experienced party loyalist whose involvement in party activities would strengthen cohesion within the party. The chairman urged members to place collective interest above personal ambition for the continued success and stability of the APC.