The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that it authorised the provision of arms to vigilante groups as part of coordinated counter-terrorism operations across Nigeria, particularly in remote areas affected by insurgency and banditry.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which operates under the ONSA.
According to the statement, the intervention was in line with Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
The NCTC, under the leadership of National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, continues to “coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.”
Michael made the clarification while reacting to reports linking the recovery of an ONSA-issued rifle to a recent security incident in Kwara State.
The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.
“Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.”
The NSA’s office explained that the use of vigilante elements is part of Nigeria’s approved counter-terrorism strategy, particularly in difficult terrains.
He said, “In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces.
“This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries, such as hunters and vigilante elements, to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.”
Michael noted that this same strategy was successfully used in the North-East through the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) against Boko Haram.
Reacting to recent reports, Michael criticised what he described as inaccurate media narratives and cautioned journalists to verify sensitive security claims through official sources.
“The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons,” he said.
He further stressed that all hybrid operations are conducted in line with the law and through authorised recruitment by security and intelligence agencies.
“All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures,” he added.
Reaffirming the commitment to transparency and collaboration, the NCTC assured the public of its continued engagement with stakeholders to enhance public understanding of counter-terrorism operations.