By Umoru Danladi, Jos

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication to national security, and transformative impact on grassroots safety
architecture, the Guild of Security Writers has nominated Commandant Ishaku Musa, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Plateau State Commandant, for its prestigious “Security Icon of the Year 2025” award.

The nomination is a testament to Commandant Musa’s sterling record of service, professional discipline, and strategic innovations that have
redefined the operational ethos of the NSCDC in Plateau State and beyond. Since assuming command, Ishaku Musa has consistently
demonstrated that proactive intelligence, ethical leadership, and community-driven security are not merely ideals, but essential tools in combating 21st-century security threats.

Commandant Musa’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in professional excellence, accountability, and moral clarity. His command is known for zero tolerance for corruption and operational complacency principles that have earned him the trust of both the Corps’ national leadership and the local communities he serves. From his earliest days in service, Musa exhibited an uncommon passion for ethical conduct, a trait that continues to define his administrative
style and field engagements.

His unflinching adherence to duty has not gone unnoticed by his principal, NSCDC Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who
has, on multiple occasions, expressed deep confidence in Musa’s ability to lead from the front and maintain the integrity of the Corps’ mission across volatile terrains.

A visionary in community policing, Musa has pioneered several initiatives in Plateau State that have successfully bridged the gap between security operatives and local populations. By cultivating robust intelligence networks at the grassroots level, he has ensured that citizens no longer see security agents as distant enforcers but as partners in peace and progress.

His ability to engage traditional rulers, youth leaders, and civil society in dialogues and joint actions has contributed immensely to
the early detection and mitigation of threats, particularly in rural flashpoints often prone to violent clashes and banditry.

Under Musa’s watch, the Plateau NSCDC Command has recorded unprecedented success in tackling illegal mining a major security
and environmental menace in the region. Through the deployment of intelligence-driven operations, and in collaboration with other
regulatory bodies, the Command has dismantled several illegal mining camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored lawful control over natural resources.

Likewise, his command’s Agro-Rangers Squad has provided vital protection for farmers and agricultural assets, especially during the
farming season when herder-farmer conflicts tend to spike. These efforts have not only boosted food security but also instilled
confidence in rural communities across Plateau.

Within the NSCDC, Ishaku Musa is widely respected as a commander who leads by example. His subordinates describe him as approachable, just, and exceptionally focused on capacity building. He has invested heavily in the training and retraining of officers, with special
attention to gender inclusion, human rights observance, and operational discipline.

His inclusive leadership style has improved morale and sharpened the operational readiness of the Command. Officers under his leadership
are well-coordinated, intelligence-informed, and operationally resilient qualities that have helped the Plateau Command maintain one of the highest response rates to security threats in recent times.

The nomination of Commandant Ishaku Musa by the Guild of Security Writers is both timely and richly deserved. It reflects the growing national consensus that sustainable security requires more than force; it demands vision, engagement, ethical grounding, and a passion for service, all of which Commandant Musa exemplifies.

As the nation continues to battle a complex array of security challenges, the recognition of men like Ishaku Musa sends a clear message that leadership rooted in integrity, innovation, and
inclusive governance is not only possible but necessary.