Commandant Ishaku Musa

Ibrahim Gwarzo, writes in from Dawakin Tofa, Kano State

In a time when public trust in institutions is waning and security agencies are often on the defensive, it is both rare and refreshing to witness leadership that restores confidence, delivers results, and puts people first. That is precisely what Commandant Ishaku Musa of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Plateau State represents. His recent honour as Security Icon of the Year 2025 by the Guild of Security Writers of Nigeria is not just a personal triumph; it is a national symbol of what focused, courageous, and humane leadership can achieve.

This award, bestowed by a respected body of professionals who track, analyse, and report on the nation’s security landscape, is deeply significant. It is not a trophy handed out for show. It is a rare endorsement of merit in a country where excellence often goes unnoticed or is drowned in the politics of appointments and accolades. That the Guild of Security Writers, under the chairmanship of Chief Dele Adewunmi, chose to honour Ishaku Musa, speaks volumes not only about Musa’s character and achievements, but about the Guild’s commitment to principle over politics.

Since assuming office as Commandant in Plateau, Commandant Ishaku Musa has tackled one of Nigeria’s most volatile security environments with a clarity of purpose that is both strategic and compassionate. He inherited a terrain defined by communal violence, herder-farmer clashes, economic sabotage, and mistrust between security forces and the people. What he has done with that challenge deserves not only recognition but emulation.

From the outset, Musa understood that food security is national security. He revived and strengthened the NSCDC’s Agro-Rangers Unit, deploying it to rural farming areas that had long been under siege. By protecting farmlands in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, he enabled displaced farmers to return safely, rebuild their livelihoods, and contribute to local stability. That single initiative has had ripple effects on food supply, income generation, and peacebuilding.

But Musa did not stop at farmland protection. His leadership has been marked by an uncompromising stance against vandalism, especially of critical national infrastructure. Pipelines, telecom masts, power lines assets vital to national development have all come under the protective umbrella of an NSCDC now reoriented to act on intelligence, not just routine. His emphasis on synergy with other agencies and the use of joint task forces has enhanced surveillance and response capabilities in ways that are measurable and visible.

In areas like Wase, Kanam, and Qua’an Pan, the Plateau NSCDC under his watch has broken the backs of illegal mining syndicates. These operations, often linked to environmental degradation and armed violence, have been curtailed through smart enforcement and community collaboration. The creation of an Environmental Protection Desk under his command is not just bureaucratic innovation; it is a signal that security means protecting both people and the resources they depend on.

Perhaps most striking is Musa’s community-first philosophy. Where others deploy force, he opens dialogue. Through town halls, mediation meetings, and grassroots training, he has rebuilt bridges of trust between the Corps and ordinary citizens, especially in areas where suspicion once ran deep. His brand of security is not imposed; it is earned.

Internally, Musa has also transformed the culture of the NSCDC in Plateau. By investing in training, enforcing discipline, and improving welfare, he has professionalised the force. Officers under his command are not just better equipped; they are more motivated and accountable. That morale and sense of duty radiate outward, and the public has taken note.

So yes, this award is more than a plaque. It is proof that excellence in public service still matters. It is a validation of the power of steady, principled leadership in a nation that too often overlooks quiet achievers. In honouring Commandant Musa, the Guild of Security Writers has elevated the standards of national recognition. They have reminded us that not all heroes carry headlines; some carry communities.

The award also sends a message to others within the nation’s security architecture: competence, character, and community impact will be seen, valued, and celebrated. And that alone is an incentive for reform across the board.

To Ishaku Musa, this recognition is not the destination; it is a milestone. A signal that you are on the right path. We join your colleagues, your state, and your country in applauding this richly deserved honour. Your work has brought dignity to the uniform you wear and hope to the people you serve. We urge you not to rest on your laurels.

And to the Guild of Security Writers of Nigeria, thank you for showing the nation that integrity still holds meaning, that standards still exist, and that service can still be rewarded.

In a time of cynicism, this award is a breath of fresh air. And in Commandant Musa, Nigeria has found not just a security officer, but a leader worth celebrating.