By Abdulkareem Haruna

Borno State has seen its share of police chiefs come and go over the years, as the shadow of insurgency persists.  However, Commissioner of Police Yusuf Mohammed Lawan’s tenure stands out unique; it’s been a quiet yet deeply effective force for stability, making a significant difference in the troubled state.

CP Lawan is set to retire from service on June 8, 2025, exactly two years after assuming the challenging mantle of Borno’s top cop. Of course his departure leaves behind a legacy defined not by bombast, but by an unassuming mien, sharp intellect, and a surprisingly compelling oratorical prowess that disarmed and inspired in equal measure.

When CP Lawan assumed office in July 2023, he inherited a command still grappling with complex security challenges, ranging from residual insurgent activities to a myriad of conventional crimes. His initial pronouncements were not the usual chest-thumping declarations. Instead, he quietly articulated a vision centered on community policing, a strategy often spoken of but rarely implemented with such conviction. He stressed that “public satisfaction and trust would be key performance indicators under his watch,” a subtle yet powerful shift from a purely reactive policing model.

It was this unassuming nature, perhaps, that allowed him to penetrate the layers of skepticism often encountered by new leadership. Beneath his demeanor, calm and collected, belied a formidable depth of knowledge. In meetings, he would listen intently, processing information with remarkable speed before offering insights that cut to the core of an issue. Colleagues and subordinates often speak of his intelligence, an attribute evident in his precise analytical skills and his ability to foresee potential pitfalls or opportunities in complex security operations.

But beyond the intellectual rigor was an unexpected gift for oratory. CP Lawan was not a fire-and-brimstone speaker, but rather one who commanded attention through the sheer clarity and sincerity of his words. He speaks Queen’s English. When he addressed officers or community leaders, his voice, though not booming, resonated with authority and a genuine commitment to justice. The CP possesses an uncanny ability to articulate intricate legal frameworks and operational strategies in a manner that was both accessible and inspiring. This skill proved invaluable in fostering cooperation, explaining police actions, and rallying support for the command’s initiatives, particularly the push for community engagement.

His achievements speak volumes. In just the first three months of his tenure, between July 1 and September 30, 2023, the Borno Police Command, under his leadership, secured an astonishing 250 convictions for a wide array of crimes, including culpable homicide, robbery, vandalism, and gender-based violence. This remarkable success, which he partly attributed to the recently accented Borno State Penal Code Law 2023, was a testament to his emphasis on thorough investigation and diligent prosecution. During the same period, 537 suspects were arrested, signaling a relentless pursuit of criminal elements.


Beyond the statistics, CP Lawan’s leadership has been marked by tangible impacts on the ground. The command’s ability to foil attempted attacks, such as the attempted Boko Haram insurgency on the Nganzai Police Division in January 2025, underscores the enhanced operational readiness and intelligence gathering under his watch. His public commendations for the gallantry of his officers, such as those involved in the Nganzai defense, were not just formalities but genuine expressions of appreciation that boosted morale.

He also understood the importance of recognizing and motivating his force. In January 2025, he personally decorated 84 newly promoted officers, urging them to align with the Inspector General of Police’s vision of community policing and Governor Babagana Zulum’s ambitious resettlement drive. This direct engagement with his officers, coupled with his consistent emphasis on professionalism and service, fostered a sense of purpose within the command.

As CP Yusuf Mohammed Lawan prepares to step away from active service, his legacy in Borno will be remembered for more than just crime statistics. It will be remembered for the quiet competence he brought to a demanding role, for the intellectual depth that guided strategic decisions, and for the understated yet powerful oratory that connected with people and inspired action. He leaves behind a more confident and effective police force, reinforcement of belief that sometimes, the most profound impact is made not with a shout, but with the quiet strength of conviction and a truly special presence.

Dear CP Lawan, let me be amongst the first to wish you a happy, peaceful and fulfilling retirement. I salute you gallant officer.