The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that it provides arms to trained vigilantes and other auxiliary forces as part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. The clarification comes in the wake of public debates over recent security operations in Kwara State.
ONSA’s statement responds to viral reports and videos claiming that government authorities illegally supplied weapons to armed groups in Kwara. The Kwara State Government and security agencies have consistently denied these allegations.
Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), an agency under ONSA, explained on Tuesday that the support given to vigilantes is legal and intended to assist security forces in combating terrorism, banditry, and other crimes, particularly in challenging terrains.
He noted that the NCTC operates under the authority of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, to coordinate counter-terrorism initiatives nationwide. The statement was issued following reports linking a recovered rifle in Kwara State to ONSA.
“In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria uses a hybrid approach that combines regular security forces with trained auxiliary personnel, including hunters and vigilantes, to operate in difficult areas like forests,” Michael said.
He added that this strategy is not new, pointing to the North-east, where the Civilian Joint Task Force collaborated with the military against Boko Haram. “Similar hybrid deployments are now being applied in parts of the North West and North Central regions to weaken bandit, criminal, and terrorist networks. These efforts have produced tangible results,” he said.
Addressing the situation in Kwara, Michael said media coverage has been misleading, emphasizing that limited public disclosure is due to the sensitivity of ongoing operations.
He also dismissed claims that ONSA supplied arms to socio-cultural groups, stating, “The Federal Government and its agencies do not conduct kinetic operations with socio-cultural organisations. Any suggestion that ONSA has armed such groups is false and should be ignored.”
Michael confirmed that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after thorough vetting, and that operations follow legal frameworks and established protocols.
The NCTC spokesperson urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified reports that could compromise security operations.
Amid rising insecurity in Nigeria, including recent bandit and terrorist attacks, President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency.
As the debate continues, many are asking: Is arming vigilantes a necessary step to curb Nigeria’s insecurity, or a risky gamble? Share your views in the comments below.
