Retired military officer Captain Sadeeq Shehu has responded to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s frustrations over the absence of direct military control in tackling insecurity in the state.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, Captain Shehu stated, “No local commander would take orders from a governor, it’s just how our system works.” His comment came as a reaction to Governor Lawal’s concerns that governors are left powerless despite being referred to as “Chief Security Officers” of their states.
Shehu, who sympathized with the governor’s plight, explained that Nigeria’s security structure is uniquely designed to centralize authority under the President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
According to him, while governors are recognized as state security leaders, they have no constitutional power to issue commands to military, police, or DSS officials deployed in their territories.
The retired officer highlighted the contradiction between the governor’s assigned responsibilities and his lack of operational authority.
He stressed that the Nigerian system operates under a rigid chain of command, leaving only the President as the political authority that military commanders can directly obey.
“I don’t think any local commander would follow commands from someone who isn’t wearing a uniform,” Shehu said, clarifying that the system was not about personal disregard but rather the structure of Nigeria’s security framework.
Despite this, Shehu acknowledged that the present arrangement is not without alternatives. He noted that other countries operate with different models, including state police, which could give governors more effective control over security matters.
He suggested that Nigeria may need to consider such reforms if it wants to resolve persistent security challenges at the state level.
The exchange comes at a time when Zamfara State continues to grapple with militant attacks and banditry, leaving many citizens in fear.
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