By Milcah Tanimu

Pending any unforeseen developments, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retired) may soon assume the role of Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Reliable sources have revealed that this nomination of the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revamp the nation’s security infrastructure.

Major Al-Mustapha, who previously vied for the presidency under the Action Alliance (AA) banner, has been vocal about the security situation in the country, particularly during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During a keynote address at a roundtable discussion focused on “Contemporary security challenges and their effects on the 2023 general election,” he expressed deep concern about the proliferation of arms and hard drugs in circulation. He cautioned that Nigeria was in a precarious situation, suggesting that it was akin to sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

Major Al-Mustapha raised critical questions about the purpose of this arsenal and its potential role in reinforcing insurgency. He pointed out the ongoing impact of insurgency on the nation, with numerous victims still enduring its consequences.

In his words, “There is a leadership deficit in Nigeria at all levels. The next leader must have a shock absorber because this country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”

The potential appointment of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha to lead the NSCDC is viewed as part of a broader effort to address and improve the country’s security challenges, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to restructuring the nation’s security landscape.