Insecurity: Expert Seeks Establishment Of Community Self-defence Commission

A security expert, Mr. Matthew Ibadin has called for the establishment of Community Self-Defence Commission to enable communities position themselves towards forming the first line of defence in the current security situation in Nigeria.

He posited that by creating such a Commission and mandating it to coordinate the activities of local communities to fight criminality at the grassroots level, the current situation of high insecurity would be curbed as criminals would be easier to identify within the local communities.

This is in light of the escalating state of insecurity and obvious helplessness of Nigeria’s security agencies.

According to Mr. Ibadin, who is currently the managing director/chief executive officer of Badinson Security Limited, Lagos, in a statement, said the Community Self-defence Commission should be designed to empower communities to defend themselves responsibly during attacks.

He stated that the Commission should make it possible for communities to create and operate their structures independently, with financial contributions sourced from within the local populace, as well as from community members residing in cities across Nigeria and in the diaspora and in collaboration with the government.

Mr. Ibadin emphasized that this call is borne out of the increasing number of cases where vulnerable Nigerians are attacked, raped, or murdered while farming or residing in their ancestral lands.

“We can no longer stand by and watch our mothers, fathers, and children being slaughtered in the forests and on farmlands. This call is about defeating the invaders who encroach others’ community land,” he emphasised.

He stated further that selected community defenders—after undergoing proper screening and training—should be legally permitted to bear arms, including AK-47 rifles, for the sole purpose of community defense. He added that the rules of engagement should be designed to eliminate unregulated access to local lands by external actors who are invaders.

The Badinson Security boss clearly stated that no individual or group should be permitted to hunt or graze on any community land without express consent. “If you want to hunt and graze, do it in your own community. The era of invading others’ lands and slaughtering innocent persons must end now,” he said firmly.

In addition, he called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s direct support and recognition, urging the National Assembly to urgently give legislative bite to the proposed commission with a view to legalising it.

He also advocated the inclusion of traditional rulers in the scheme as they are major stakeholders towards ensuring security in their domain.