State Police Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Security if Executed Well — Smith

In this interview, former Inspector-General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith praises the present actions taken by the federal and subnational governments to guarantee the establishment of state police in order to strengthen the nation’s internal security system. Folalumi Alaran presents passages.

Could you briefly describe how your early life began?

I was born into the distinguished and devout Smith family on April 17, 1946, in Offin, Lagos State. Alhaji Liasu Akande Smith and Alhaja Abadat Eniola Smith were my late parents. In my family, education was highly valued. As a result, all of their offspring have advanced degrees. His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, the Eleko of Eko, was one among my students at Ansar ud Deen Primary School in Alakoro from 1952 to 1959. Since then, we have remained together, and both of us served in the police department.

I completed my secondary education at Ansar ud Deen College in Isolo from 1960 to 1964. After that, I attended government-sponsored tuition sessions for my “A” levels. Before being accepted to study sociology at the University of Lagos, Akoka, I worked for a short time as an accounts clerk at Lagos City Council. From 1967 to 1970, I was one of the first students in the department.

Before I joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1972, I worked briefly as an assistant secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Works after graduating. I began as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and worked my way up to become the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before retiring in 2002.

Throughout my career, I had the honor of being appointed by General Abdul Salam Abubakar to serve on the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) until the civilian government took over in 1999.

My upbringing was wonderful, methodical, memorable, and helpful, but it was also marked by religious and cultural discipline, which helped to form my life into one that is integrity-based and focused.

What inspired you to enlist in the Nigerian Police Force?

I enjoyed reading newspapers in high school, and I still do. I also subscribed to a foreign magazine called “True Detective.” The journal describes the methods used to investigate crimes, apprehend suspects, and prosecute them. Together with my passion of wearing uniforms, it undoubtedly laid the groundwork for my desire to join the Police Force. Despite their worries, my parents agreed with my decision.

I am grateful that they trusted my gut. Reading was one of the things my family enjoyed doing, and we were constantly trying to learn more.

When you expressed your desire to become a police officer to your parents.

Indeed, I did tell them that. Since they were well-educated, they had no objections at all. My granddad had a high level of education. I was not stopped. I often tell individuals that preparation is crucial, regardless of what they want to pursue.

How simple was it for you to advance in the police ranks, and could you manage the pressure?

I didn’t advance in the rankings. I was a recent graduate. I was among the first group of sociology graduates to enlist in the police force. Each of us did a great job.

When President Olusegun Obasanjo was in office, you served as Inspector General.

I was the IG, indeed.

During that time, you held elections.

Everyone in the Police had a part to play; it wasn’t simply me. Everyone must fulfill his part. There have been advances in our elections, and I anticipate that these gains will continue.

What do you think about the State Police problem that many governors are currently demanding?

If done correctly, this is a positive development. A proposal on State Police has been filed by the current IG. This will strengthen our internal security, and a robust economy will follow after the nation has strong internal security.

How would you rate the nation’s level of security, and how can we get over the obstacles?

Lack of vision, planning, population growth, poverty, inflation, a lack of emphasis on investing in our children’s education, insufficient financing for security agencies, corruption, and a lack of mentorship all contributed to the current condition of security. Our young people are not affected well. The level of living is declining, and financial hardship is becoming more severe; this threat ought to have been addressed sooner.

Due to financial difficulty and the extravagant lives of a select few, our young people have been forced to drop out of school, engage in fraud and robbery, kidnapping for ransom, banditry, and, in extreme situations, terrorism as a result of false indoctrination.

We can overcome insecurity, in my opinion, if we make significant, sufficient investments in our children’s education, properly fund security agencies, and support the officers who work there. In order for young people to be actively involved, businesses should be encouraged to prosper.

Alhaji Musiliu Smith is a person who many of us are unaware of.

I don’t conceal anything. I urge the younger ones to be open and honest about their actions. If you follow those guidelines, the possibilities are endless.

How did you manage to reconcile your personal and work lives?

Because to my family’s strong support, I was able to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

I refer to your private family life. Did you take your family with you when you relocated as a police officer?

Don’t. It would interfere with their learning. Moving the entire family is not a good plan and makes no sense, especially in this country. There is too much risk. Still, very few people do that. When they live in a stable environment, children are happier. Providing your kids with a solid educational foundation is crucial.

Oba Akiolu and you were classmates?

Yes, from 1952 to 1959, we were only classmates in Ansar-ud-Deen, Alakoro, primary school.

Do any of your former classmates still exist?

Waheed Kassim, a retired DIG, must be familiar to you, even if you weren’t in elementary school. There are very few of us left. Many of us attended separate schools.

Which childhood practical jokes still make you laugh?

We were fortunate to have tough teachers at the time. Teachers like Alhaji Alao Bashorun were unfamiliar to you. He served as Isolo’s principal. Our teachers were between 70 and 80 percent graduates. Particularly Bashorun, who could confront anyone, was quite strict. You need to have good leadership in schools if you want kids to do well. Students won’t have the chance to misbehave if there is effective leadership. May Alhaji Alao Bashorun’s soul find peace. Up to his final days, we were by him. Are you familiar with the late Nurudeen Alao? He was also a former student at Isolo.

Did your work as a police officer and your faith as a Muslim conflict in any way?

We were raised in a respectable Muslim home and merged both without any problems, so I didn’t notice any tension.

Describe a few aspects of your own lifestyle.

I read newspapers from front to back and don’t make jokes about them. Give kids access to these things when you’re raising them. My father was a surveyor who went on to become Chief Surveyor, so I began reading newspapers before I was twelve. He was persuaded to assist in establishing the Lagos State Survey Department by Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson. I used to read the newspapers he received every day as a senior official. Such exposure is crucial. I even bought True Detective with my stipend. Later in life, that came in handy.

Do you continue to communicate with the police hierarchy?

Indeed, a lot of them are my boys. For more than four or five years, the current Instagram was my personal assistant. We are close, so I gave him encouragement. I’ll correct you if you misbehave. I suggest that they set a positive example for junior police.

What career lesson would you like young Nigerians to take away from you?

Make sure you don’t pass up the chance to learn from your parents. If you do, you put yourself in a serious situation. You might be passed by younger ones. However, some people will support you. I’ve supported and assisted numerous students in getting into universities. Education is not a joke in my household.

Due to my extensive travels throughout Nigeria, I sponsor numerous children from both the North and the South. That’s why I’m well-known around the country. It’s not always their fault when parents don’t have opportunity.

Is Nigeria the intended location?

It’s not solely their responsibility that many people aren’t where they should be.

The economy can present problems at times. To make things better for everyone, serious-minded people must band together.

For my part, I will keep helping students.

How do you recruit the kids you sponsor? Do you have a foundation?

It is through the pupils I have helped in the past. They present me to other people. I evaluate them and sponsor them if they are sincere. Since I finished secondary school, I have been doing this.

For you, what does this 80th birthday party represent?

When a person reaches the age of forty, Allah SWT commands them in Quran 46:15 to be thankful to their parents for providing for them and to the Almighty Allah (SWT) for all of His blessings. They are also instructed to be nice and make an effort to act morally in all of their interactions. He also urged us to confess our sins and seek pardon.

God’s warning is a good guidance for me. Furthermore, I am forever grateful if I consider how many of us began this life together and are no longer with us, and how many are fortunate enough to reach the heights I have, particularly after traveling the all of Nigeria by road and yet being able to reach this age, four scores (20 x 4). Being alive is merely grace, not a sign of uniqueness. As a result, I am incredibly appreciative of Allah’s boundless mercy and grace.

According to the Psalms, a person’s lifespan is calculated as 3 scores plus 10, or 20 x 3 + 10 = 70 years. Anything above that is therefore a bonus. I pray that God gives seniors great strength and wisdom, and that the grace of reaching 80 years is not tainted with deteriorating health and grief.

Would you mind sharing some of your life’s obstacles and how you overcame them?

Allah (SWT) has stated in Chapter 2 of the Holy Quran that man will undoubtedly face hardships, poverty, and death, among other trials, in order to improve us as believers. However, He has pledged not to subject us to burdens we cannot handle. It went on to tell us that there will be comfort after every hardship and that the way to get through these trials is to believe that everything originates with Him and will eventually return to Him. Thus, the phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna alayhi rajiun.” It went on to tell us that we should be patient, pious, and persistent during the tests since ease follows every hardship.

As a result, I have indeed had my fair share of difficulties in life, but as promised, I have overcome them with perseverance, fortitude, faith, and by asking Allah for assistance via prayer.

What would you hope to achieve if you could go back in time?

You can’t do that. That is made clear in the Quran. Nevertheless, “Which of Allah’s favor can I deny”? None! Despite my imperfections, Allah SWT has shown me kindness and favor. As a result, I offer up a lot of praise, worship, and thanksgiving in appreciation for His kindness and grace. Nothing could have been done differently, in my opinion. I am very appreciative of the grace I experienced, and I treasure it.

Which values serve as your compass in life?

My primary compass and the pivot that directs my human relationships and obligations is my fear of God. It entails upholding honesty, commitment to accountability, and responsibility.

What would you like to be known for?

Not a lot of items. I’ve done a lot throughout the years. Elders’ advice is wise, therefore you shouldn’t ignore it. I am a supporter of youth. I assist them if they are committed students and they have problems like school costs. I urge them to reveal the truth.

The finest arbiter is God. However, I would like to be remembered for my commitment to duty, the good things I accomplished, and the lives I impacted. In conclusion, my nice deeds. I ask Allah (SWT) to pardon my transgressions after serving humanity to the fullest extent of His kindness.