El-Rufai Reveals Only Solution to Lasting Peace in Nigeria

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said Nigeria will not achieve lasting peace unless security agencies return to their constitutional roles and operate as neutral institutions of the state.

El-Rufai made the remarks in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, where he reflected on what he described as the growing misuse of security and justice institutions for political purposes.

Writing on the theme *“National Security, Justice, and the People’s Wellbeing: Reclaiming the Purpose of Power,”* he argued that national security should be focused on protecting citizens, their homes, livelihoods, and freedoms, rather than preserving the comfort or dominance of those in office.

According to him, the concept of national security in Nigeria has gradually shifted from safeguarding the state and its people to shielding political incumbents from criticism and opposition.

He distinguished between “national security” and what he termed “regime security,” noting that while the former is rooted in defending the Constitution, protecting lives and property, and maintaining public order, the latter is concerned with preserving power at all costs.

“The state is permanent. Governments are temporary. Institutions endure beyond administrations,” El-Rufai wrote, warning that when security agencies act in the interest of political actors rather than the law, public trust begins to erode.

He expressed concern that institutions such as the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and parts of the judiciary are increasingly perceived as being used against political opponents instead of focusing on criminal elements threatening public safety.

El-Rufai said this development weakens institutional credibility and diverts attention from urgent security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime.

He noted that when citizens begin to see security agencies as tools of intimidation rather than protection, cooperation declines, intelligence gathering suffers, and insecurity worsens.

The former governor also warned that criminalising dissent and opposition could push political competition outside lawful channels, posing risks to democratic stability.

He maintained that national security must be about ensuring Nigerians live with dignity and without fear, stressing that it should not be mistaken for protecting the interests of those currently in power.

El-Rufai concluded that until security agencies return to their constitutional roles as impartial guardians of the state, Nigeria will continue to struggle with instability and the absence of lasting peace.