Northern Pulse

The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with development partners, has commenced the validation of a ‘Standard Operating Procedure(SOP)’, aimed at strengthening the operations and accountability of community-based security structures across the state.

Speaking at the validation workshop on Thursday in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shu’aibu, said the SOP marked a significant milestone in institutionalising community-centred security service delivery.

He commended the sustained support of The Kukah Center in strengthening community peace and security frameworks in the state.

“We have truly benefited from the Foundation’s various programmes and we do not take these contributions for granted.

“Their commitment to supporting communities and strengthening institutions is commendable,” Shu’aibu said.

The commissioner said that the SOP, built on earlier reforms supported by the organisation, including the review of laws establishing community-based security groups in Kaduna State.

According to him, the initiative had moved beyond conceptual discussions to consolidation of practical structures capable of improving local security governance.
He said once finalised, the SOP could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen community-based security initiatives.

Earlier, the Project Manager of the Improving Community Security Initiative for Accountable Service Delivery at The Kukah Center, Mr Terseer Bamber, said the validation was part of the broader SPRING Programme — Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria.

Bamber explained that the programme was implemented by Tetra Tech International Development and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

He said the SOP validation followed a legal assessment of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS), which identified operational gaps requiring standardised procedures.

“Today’s workshop brings together government agencies, civil society, traditional institutions, media and security actors to review and refine the SOP to ensure legitimacy and acceptance,” he said.

According to him, the SOP provides step-by-step operational guidance for KADVIS personnel in areas such as crowd control, community engagement, traffic management and arms handling.

Bamber said that anchoring operations on clear procedures would enhance public trust and improve collaboration between communities and security actors.

Also speaking, a security Consultant, Mr Zakaria Tari, who presented the document, said many community-based security groups operated without structured guidance.

He said the SOP would help the personnel to deliver services professionally, respect human rights and strengthen coordination with formal security agencies.

“With this framework, community security actors will operate within defined procedures, improving accountability and trust with the communities they serve,” he said.

Stakeholders at the workshop included representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and security agencies.

They are expected to provide technical inputs towards refining and finalising the SOP for statewide implementation.