Security Expert Advocates Community Defence Mechanism In Addressing Rebound Insurgency

Security experts have expressed deep concern over rebound cases of kidnapping and insurgency and the governments inability to protect hapless citizens.

The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum lamented the rising cases of insurgency in the state and called for urgent action. Hundreds of citizens have been kidnapped in the last quarter and some losing their lives in the hands of kidnappers.

A security consultant Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi attributed the insecurity to a ” joint Conspiracy involving some government officials, family members, security officials,traditional leaders, political leaders and youth groups just to make fast money or urgent wealth.”

In the same vein, a security consultant, managing director of Badinson Security Limited, Mr. Matthew Ibadin called for the establishment of Community Self-Defence Commission to enable communities position themselves towards forming the first line of defense in the current situation.

He posited that by creating such commission and mandating it to coordinate activities of local communities towards fighting criminality at the grassroot level, the current situation of insecurity would be curbed as criminals are easier identified within the local communities.

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

Mr. Ibadin, in a statement, proposed that Community Self-defense 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 emphasised that this call is a matter of urgent necessity, 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 community land of others,” he stressed.

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