Calls Grow For Review Of Abba Kyari's Role Amid Rising Security Challenges

By LEETOLKS

As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, fresh calls have emerged for authorities to reconsider the role of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, a former Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), whose supporters insist his operational expertise remains unmatched within the Nigeria Police Force.

In a strongly worded commentary circulating on social media, security analyst and commentator Leetoks argued that Nigeria has previously confronted security challenges as severe as, or even worse than, the current situation and that Kyari's leadership of the IRT was often instrumental in tackling some of the country's most difficult crime cases.

According to the commentator, Kyari was known for adopting unconventional strategies during periods of heightened insecurity. One of such approaches, he claimed, involved recalling experienced operatives who had previously been redeployed from the IRT for disciplinary reasons but whose operational capabilities remained valuable in tackling major security threats.

The analyst noted that many of the operatives were deployed to volatile areas across the country and were often credited with successful outcomes in high-profile operations.

"Kyari understood the strengths and weaknesses of his men and knew how to maximise their capabilities. His ability to build and coordinate effective teams was one of his greatest assets," the commentator stated.

Beyond his operational record, Kyari was also praised for his capacity to foster collaboration among security agencies during joint national assignments.

According to the writer, the former IRT commander possessed an exceptional ability to coordinate intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation, a factor that contributed significantly to the successes recorded during his tenure.

The commentary further suggested that if Kyari were still actively leading the IRT, ongoing security incidents such as the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State might have received a more aggressive intelligence-driven response.

The analyst argued that one of Kyari's strengths was his extensive network of informants and intelligence sources, which often provided actionable information for security operations.

Consequently, the commentator urged the Inspector-General of Police to seek Kyari's tactical insights on current security challenges and called on the Federal Government to review the legal and administrative circumstances surrounding his suspension.

"Whatever issues currently stand in the way, the government should consider whether the nation's security needs can benefit from his experience and expertise," the writer argued.

The commentary also reflected on what it described as a period when the Nigeria Police Force played a leading role in national security operations, crediting former Inspectors-General of Police, Solomon Arase and Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, with effectively identifying and deploying talented officers across specialised fields.

According to the analyst, the operational achievements recorded by Kyari during his years in charge of the IRT remain a benchmark against which many police tactical operations are still measured.

The views expressed in the commentary, however, remain those of the author and continue to generate debate among security experts and members of the public regarding the balance between operational effectiveness, accountability and institutional reforms within Nigeria's security architecture.