A security expert has urged the Nigerian government to ensure the recruitment of additional military and police personnel is carried out without political interference. Dr. Lekan Jackson Ojo, a certified security specialist, made this statement in response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to recruit more personnel to address the country’s security challenges.

The President’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency and approval for additional recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police has been welcomed by Dr. Ojo, who noted that the move is long overdue. However, he emphasized the need for careful implementation to ensure that only qualified, capable, and patriotic citizens are engaged.

Dr. Ojo expressed concerns that the usual practice of influencing appointments within security agencies could undermine the effectiveness of the recruitment process. He stressed that priority should be given to qualified and committed applicants who genuinely wish to serve their country. The expert also advised the President to closely monitor the implementation process to prevent politicization of the recruitment of 20,000 police officers.

According to Dr. Ojo, the focus should now be on effective implementation of government policies and security measures. He suggested that the President should have a system in place to receive feedback on the implementation process to ensure that his directives are carried out as intended. Dr. Ojo also emphasized the need for discretion in discussing security matters, noting that those responsible for the country’s security challenges are likely to be well-informed about the government’s plans.

The recruitment of additional military and police personnel is part of the government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges, which have been a major concern for Nigerians in recent times. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of the government to implement it effectively and resist any attempts to politicize the recruitment process. As the country moves forward with this initiative, it is essential to ensure that the recruitment process is transparent, fair, and based on merit to achieve the desired outcomes.