By Isiaka Mustapha, CEO/People’s Security Monitor

Pix: Dr. Usman Muhammad Jahun

Dr. Usman Muhammad Jahun has quickly distinguished himself since assuming office as the Senior Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State. Drawing from his wealth of experience in the Nigerian Army and his years as Commander-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, he has brought a hands-on approach to security governance in the state. His enormous efforts so far have been directed at building a security framework that blends formal law enforcement with grassroots vigilance, a model that is fast proving effective in Jigawa.

Working closely with Governor Namadi, Dr. Jahun has prioritized coordination among security agencies operating in the state. He understands that no single agency can tackle crime and insecurity alone, so he has established a platform where the police, NSCDC, DSS, military formations, and community-based groups like vigilantes and traditional leaders can work together. This coordinated approach has improved intelligence gathering and allowed for quicker response to potential threats.

Equally important is his effort in mobilizing local communities to take ownership of security. Having led the Vigilante Group of Nigeria for over a decade, Dr. Jahun knows how crucial community trust and participation are. He has therefore strengthened the role of community watch groups in Jigawa, ensuring that information from rural areas flows effectively to formal agencies. This has already led to the disruption of several criminal plots and a noticeable decline in rural bandit attacks and theft.

He has also been instrumental in advising Governor Namadi on policies that balance security enforcement with human rights and community development. Rather than treating security solely as a military or police affair, Dr. Jahun has pushed for preventive strategies such as youth engagement, skills acquisition, and support for traditional institutions. These efforts help to reduce the social conditions that often give rise to crime, such as unemployment and alienation of young people.

His presence in the administration has also improved Jigawa’s visibility and reputation in national security discussions. Leveraging his network from the Army and the VGN, he has opened channels of cooperation with federal security agencies, ensuring that Jigawa is not left behind in terms of resources, deployments, and federal security interventions.

So far, his efforts are widely acknowledged as one of the reasons Jigawa has remained relatively calm compared to other frontline states in northern Nigeria. Under his guidance, community-police relations have improved, intelligence sharing has been strengthened, and the state has recorded successes in preventing cattle rustling, curbing cross-border smuggling, and deterring banditry.

Dr. Usman Muhammad Jahun’s work with Governor Namadi shows that effective security is not only about firepower but about strategy, collaboration, and trust between the government and the governed. His enormous efforts are laying a foundation for a more secure Jigawa where development can thrive without the constant fear of insecurity.