By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has acknowledged providing arms to vigilante auxiliaries as part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations, following public reports of a rifle linked to the office being recovered in Kwara State.
The clarification, issued on Wednesday, comes amid rising public debate and media scrutiny over the role of vigilante groups in internal security operations, particularly in forested and hard-to-reach areas of the country.
ONSA Responds to Kwara Rifle Report
The acknowledgement was contained in a statement by the Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the ONSA, Mr Abu Michael. He said the intervention was lawful and aligned with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework.
Michael explained that the NCTC “continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria,” adding that the actions taken in Kwara State fall squarely within this mandate.
According to him, recent media reports surrounding the recovery of a rifle allegedly issued by the ONSA made it necessary to clarify aspects of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, especially those conducted in forest areas of Kwara.
Legal Backing Cited for Arms Support
The ONSA spokesperson stated that the support provided to vigilante auxiliaries is anchored in Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which empowers security institutions to deploy comprehensive measures against terrorism and related crimes.
He stressed that the approach does not operate outside the law, noting that all actions are carried out under established legal frameworks and standard operating procedures.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was appointed National Security Adviser by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Hybrid Security Model Explained
Providing further context, Michael said Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy includes the deployment of hybrid forces, a model that combines regular security personnel with trained irregular auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilantes.
“In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces,” he said.
According to him, this model allows security operations to penetrate difficult terrains, particularly forests that conventional forces may find challenging to access.
He recalled that the same strategy guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East, where trained civilian volunteers worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram insurgents.
“The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram,” Michael said, adding that the strategy has since been extended to parts of the North West and North Central regions.
Application in Kwara and Other Regions
Michael said the hybrid deployment strategy has yielded “several successful outcomes” in degrading the capabilities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal networks.
He noted that the situation in Kwara State is not different from similar operations in other regions, but emphasised that public details remain limited due to the sensitive nature of ongoing security operations.
According to him, restricting information is necessary to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of both security personnel and auxiliary forces.
Denial of Arming Socio-Cultural Groups
Despite acknowledging that arms were supplied to vigilante auxiliaries, the ONSA firmly denied claims that weapons were given to any socio-cultural organisations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups,” Michael stated.
He described reports suggesting that the ONSA supplied arms to socio-cultural organisations as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard them entirely.
Due Diligence and Recruitment Process
The NCTC spokesperson further explained that all hybrid personnel involved in such operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies.
He said the recruitment process follows strict due diligence procedures to ensure that only vetted individuals participate in security operations.
“All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures,” he added.
Call for Responsible Media Reporting
Michael also used the opportunity to caution the media against publishing sensitive security information without verification, warning that such reports could undermine national security efforts.
He urged journalists and media platforms to seek clarification through designated official spokespersons before publishing reports related to counter-terrorism operations.
“The media is urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons,” he said.
Commitment to Transparency and Engagement
Despite the restrictions on operational details, the ONSA assured Nigerians that the National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to stakeholder engagement and public understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Michael said the centre maintains an open-door policy aimed at fostering transparency without jeopardising security operations.
The clarification comes at a time of heightened insecurity across parts of the country, with governments increasingly relying on community-based intelligence and auxiliary support to complement conventional security forces.
As debates continue around the role of vigilantes, the confirmation that the NSA office supplies arms to vigilantes under legal and operational oversight adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s evolving internal security strategy.
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