The Nigerian Armed Forces have been reminded that traditional rulers in the country play a central role in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
This message was conveyed by Eze Okey Ananaba on behalf of Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, in Umuahia during a visit by Senior Course 47 students from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
He called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and community leadership structures.
The monarch emphasised the need to harness grassroots intelligence and cultural insight in tackling internal security threats across the country, pointing out that “we are the first responders, the surveillance agents, and the moral anchors of our communities.”
The event, which took place in Umuahia on 8 May, formed part of a nationwide Environmental Study Tour themed, “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security.”
The traditional ruler outlined several critical functions performed by traditional leaders that directly impact national security.
“Monitoring new entrants, spotting unusual activity, and maintaining informal networks of palace informants.
Community policing, organising and supervising vigilante groups that work with police and military units,” he enumerated.
The Abia traditional rulers highlighted some challenges facing community security, including the lack of formal security training for palace personnel, insufficient funding for local security outfits, and intelligence gaps in communities without officially installed traditional rulers.
Explaining the mission of the delegation, Brigadier General Nnaemeka Oghili, who led the Jaji team, stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces deeply value the contributions of traditional institutions to security efforts.
“This tour is a vital part of our curriculum. It helps our officers understand the realities on the ground and engage directly with stakeholders like you,” he said.
