Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, has raised a critical alarm about the prominent role of the military in Nigeria's democratic space, labelling it as excessive and detrimental.
Constitutional Role of the Military Questioned
Speaking at a high-profile event in Abuja on 7 December 2025, Ehindero voiced concerns shared by fellow retired police chiefs. The occasion was the launch of two biographies honouring another former IGP, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, titled "Giant Footprints" and "A Policeman Personified".
Ehindero directly addressed the issue, stating, "With apologies to the military that are here. Too much military visibility in a democracy is not good." He emphasised that the armed forces' primary constitutional duty is to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity at its borders, preventing infiltration by undesirable elements.
"That is what our Constitution says. A territorial integrity to be maintained and protected," he firmly stated, while also praising the military for the "marvellous work" they do.
Defence of Ribadu's Appointment and Police Reforms
The former police boss also tackled recent criticism surrounding the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a retired police officer, as the National Security Adviser (NSA). Ehindero clarified that this was not unprecedented, pointing out that late Jimeta Gambo and other police officers had held the position in the past.
Meanwhile, the honouree of the event, Usman Alkali Baba, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent directive to withdraw police personnel from "undeserving personalities." Baba noted this was the first time such an order came directly from a sitting President, a move past IGPs had attempted but failed to fully implement.
He also lauded the President's consistent actions aimed at restoring police primacy in Nigeria's internal security framework.
A Call to Document and Share Knowledge
Reflecting on the biographies launched in his honour, Baba stressed the importance of sharing knowledge and experience. "If you hide knowledge and experience, we shouldn't forgive you... Holding knowledge diminishes your power because it diminishes your presence," he remarked.
He expressed joy that his life's work in law enforcement and internal security was now documented to enrich public knowledge.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, underscored the event's significance. He lamented Nigeria's historical failure to document public service journeys, which has hindered mentorship and forced new generations to start afresh.
"We cannot claim to be a society ready for the future if we do not prepare the younger generation for the tasks ahead," Shettima stated, praising the biographies as a vital break from a "tradition of silence."
