By Bulus Ahmed
The Kukah Centre for Leadership and Faith has partnered with the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, to undertake a policy-focused research on the activities of informal security outfits in the North-West zone.
The initiative is designed to examine the structure, operations and impact of local security groups, particularly their role in maintaining peace during elections.
Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, Mr. Bamber Terseer, said the study, titled Improving Community Security Initiative for Accountable Service Delivery, aims to strengthen community-based security systems and promote responsible engagement, especially as the country prepares for future general elections.
He explained that the research will assess both the positive and negative effects of informal security outfits, including issues arising from polarization, and develop policy recommendations to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
On his part, Director of the Centre for Peace Studies, Professor Abdulkadir, said the collaboration will generate evidence-based findings on legal frameworks guiding local security recruitment, operational challenges, funding sources and institutional oversight.
He added that the study will also examine concerns relating to legitimacy, ethnic profiling and the expanding role of non-state security actors, with a view to proposing lawful and practical reforms.
The partnership underscores growing attention on community policing and electoral security as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
