In this interview, former Inspector-General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith praises the federal and subnational governments’ present efforts to ensure the establishment of state police in order to strengthen the nation’s internal security system. Folalumi Alaran presents quotes.
Tell us a little bit about your early life, please.
I was born into the distinguished and deeply devout Smith family on April 17, 1946, in Offin, Lagos State. The late Alhaji Liasu Akande Smith and Alhaja Abadat Eniola Smith were my parents. Education was very important to my family. As a result, all of their kids 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 Alakoro from 1952 to 1959. Since then, we have remained together, and both of us served in the police force.
After completing my secondary education at Ansar ud Deen College in Isolo from 1960 to 1964, I completed my “A” levels through government-sponsored tuition programs. Before being accepted to study sociology at the University of Lagos, Akoka, I temporarily worked 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 for a short while as an assistant secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Works after graduating. I started out as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and worked my way up to become the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before retiring in 2002.
During 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 good, methodical, memorable, and helpful, but it was marked by cultural and religious discipline, which helped to form my life into one that is integrity-based and focused.
What led you to enlist in the Nigerian Police Force?
I enjoyed reading newspapers in secondary school, and I still do. I also subscribed to a foreign magazine called “True Detective.” The magazine describes the process of investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, and prosecuting them. Together with my passion of wearing uniforms, it undoubtedly laid the groundwork for my interest in joining the police force. With some doubts, my parents agreed with my decision.
I’m grateful that they trusted my gut. My family and I were always trying to learn more, and reading was one of our favorite things to do.
When you expressed your desire to become a police officer to your parents…
Yes, I did tell them that. They had no objections at all because they were well-educated. My grandfather had a high level of education as well. I was not stopped by anyone. I usually tell people that preparation is the most important thing, regardless of what they want to do.
How simple was it for you to advance in the police ranks, and did you manage the pressure?
I didn’t advance through the ranks. I arrived as a recent graduate. I was among the first group of sociology graduates to enlist in law enforcement. We all gave excellent performances.
Did you serve as Inspector General under President Olusegun Obasanjo?
I was the IG, yes.
During that time, you held elections?
Everyone in the Police had a part to play, not just me. Each person must fulfill their function. There have been improvements in our elections, and I anticipate that they will continue to improve.
What do you think about the State Police issue that several governors are currently calling for?
If properly executed, this is a positive development. A proposal about State Police has been filed by the current IG. This will strengthen the nation’s internal security, which will lead to a robust economy.
How would you rate the nation’s level of security, and how can we overcome the obstacles?
Lack of planning and vision, population growth, poverty, inflation, a disregard for 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 greatly affected. The level of living is declining, and financial difficulties are becoming more severe. This threat ought to have been addressed earlier.
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 severe cases, 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, adequately pay security agencies, and support the officers who work there. In order to involve young people in meaningful ways, businesses should be encouraged to prosper.
Many of us are unaware of Alhaji Musiliu Smith. Who is he?
I have nothing to conceal. I urge the younger ones to be open about what they do. If you adhere to those ideas, the possibilities are endless.
How did you manage to strike a balance between your personal and work lives?
I was able to maintain a healthy work-life balance because of my family’s strong support.
I’m referring to your private family life. Did you bring your family with you when you relocated as a police officer?
No. Their education would be disrupted. Moving the entire family is not a good plan and makes no sense, particularly in this country. The danger is too great. That’s something very few people still do. When children are in a stable environment, they are happier. Giving your kids a solid educational foundation is crucial.
Were you a classmate of Oba Akiolu?
Indeed, from 1952 to 1959, we were only classmates in Ansar-ud-Deen, Alakoro, primary school.
Do some of your former classmates still exist?
Even if it wasn’t in elementary school, you must have heard about Waheed Kassim, a retired DIG. There aren’t many of us left. Many of us attended various schools.
Which jokes from your early years still make you laugh?
We were fortunate to have fairly strict teachers at the time. Teachers like Alhaji Alao Bashorun are unfamiliar to you. At Isolo, he served as our principal. Our teachers were between 70% and 80% grads. They were incredibly strict, especially Bashorun, who could deal with anyone. Strong leadership in schools is essential if you want kids to do well. Students won’t have the chance to misbehave if there is effective leadership. May the soul of Alhaji Alao Bashorun rest in peace. Up to his final days, we remained close to him. Are you familiar with the late Professor Nurudeen Alao? He was an old student at Isolo as well.
Did your work as a police officer and your Muslim beliefs clash in any way?
We were raised in a decent Muslim home and blended both without any problems, so I didn’t notice any conflict.
Tell us a little bit about your personal way of life.
I read newspapers from front to back; I don’t make jokes about them. Give your kids access to these resources when you are 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 urged to assist in establishing the Lagos State Survey Department by Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson. I would read the newspapers he received every day as a senior official. This kind of exposure is crucial. I even purchased True Detective with my stipend. Later in life, that was helpful to me.
Do you still communicate with the hierarchy of the police?
Yes, a lot of them are my boys. For more than four or five years, the present IG served as my personal assistant. We are really close, so I gave him encouragement. I will correct you if you misbehave. I counsel them to set a positive example for younger police.
What career lesson would you like young Nigerians to take away?
Make sure you don’t pass up the chance for your parents to educate you. If you do, you put yourself in a difficult situation. You might be surpassed by younger ones. However, some will support you. I have funded and assisted numerous students in getting into universities. We don’t make light of schooling in my family.
Due to my extensive travels throughout Nigeria, I sponsor a large number of youngsters from both the North and the South. I am well-known around the country because of this. It’s not always their fault that some parents don’t have opportunity.
Is Nigeria where it should be?
It’s not all their fault that many people are not where they should be.
The economy can present difficulties at times. To make things better for everyone, serious-minded individuals must band together.
For my part, I’ll keep helping youngsters.
How do you find the students you sponsor, or do you have a foundation?
It’s through pupils I’ve helped in the past. They show me different people. I evaluate them, and if they are sincere, I support them. Since I graduated from high school, I have been doing this.
What does this 80th birthday party mean to you?
When a person reaches the age of forty, Allah SWT commands them in Quran 46 verse 15 to be thankful to their parents for providing for them and to the Almighty Allah (SWT) for the blessings He has given us. They are also instructed to be nice and make an effort to act morally. He also urged us to confess our sins and seek forgiveness.
God’s warning serves as 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, especially after traveling the entirety of Nigeria by road and yet being able to reach this age, four scores (20 x 4). Being alive is a sign of grace rather than uniqueness. As a result, I am incredibly appreciative of Allah’s boundless kindness and grace.
According to the Psalms, a person’s lifespan is 3 scores plus 10, or 20 x 3 + 10 = 70 years. Anything that comes after is therefore a bonus. I pray that God gives elders great strength and wisdom, and that the grace of reaching 80 years old is not tinged with deteriorating health and grief.
Would you mind sharing some of your life’s struggles 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 bear. It also taught us that there will be comfort after every hardship and that the best way to get through these trials is to remind ourselves that everything originates with Him and will eventually return to Him. Thus, the proverb “Inna lillahi wa inna alayhi rajiun.” It went on to educate us that we should be patient, pray, and persevere during the tests since relief follows every hardship.
As a result, I have indeed had my fair share of challenges in life, but as promised, I have overcome them with perseverance, fortitude, faith, and by asking Allah for assistance via prayer.
What would you want if you could go back in time?
That is not feasible. The Quran makes that very clear. Whatever the case, “Which of Allah’s favor can I deny”? None! Despite my flaws, Allah SWT has shown me kindness and favor. As a result, I express my gratitude for His mercy and kindness via a lot of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. Nothing would have been done differently, in my opinion. I am incredibly appreciative of the grace I experienced and treasure it.
What are your life’s tenets?
My primary guiding concept and the pivot that directs my human relationships and obligations is my fear of God. It entails upholding honesty and a commitment to accountability and responsibility.
What do you want to be known for?
Not a lot of things. I’ve accomplished a lot throughout the years. Elders’ advice is wise, therefore you shouldn’t disregard it. I’m in favor of youth. I assist them if they are committed students and have problems like school costs. I advise them to tell the truth.
The best judgment is God. However, I would like to be remembered for my commitment to duty, the good effects I had, and the lives I touched. To sum up, my nice deeds. I ask Allah (SWT) to pardon my transgressions for serving humanity to the fullest extent of His kindness.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
