The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has suggested to the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, that there was nothing wrong with citizens bearing firearms against bandits terrorising the country.
CNG’s Director of Strategic Communication, Sama’ila Musa, in an issued press statement yesterday, challenged the CDS to explain to Nigerians how many personnel armoured tanks and other necessary weaponry he supplied to the war theatre in Zamfara State and other conflict-ridden areas.
Musa argued that if a regional security outfit like Amotekun could bear firearms, there was nothing wrong with citizens doing the same.
The spokesman, aside from commending Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, for backing the move, stated that the agitation for a security taskforce modelled after Civilian-JTF, called ‘Arewa Security Taskforce’, should be revisited.
He said: “We, therefore, commend Governor Matawalle for recognising this approach although belatedly. We have equally keenly observed reactions from individuals and groups across the country, with a particular concern with the position of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who faulted the authorisation for self-defence.
“We reject his rejection of self-defence! Self-preservation and defence are natural, inalienable and fundamental that cannot be denied. We wish to remind the CDS: That even his principal, the Minister of Defence, has once called for self-defence amidst incessant killings by terrorists in Nigeria.
“We challenge the CDS to explain to Nigerians how many personnel, armoured tanks and other necessary weaponry did he supply to the war theatre in Zamfara and other conflict-ridden areas.
“Just a few days ago 69 communities in Bukuyum local government area of Zamfara State have been ransacked and terrorised. Where was the CDS?
“That the perennial and overwhelming nature of the existential security threat on Nigeria is beyond the soldiers alone to handle; hence all hands must be on deck!
“We, therefore state categorically that communities and people must be brought in to the security efforts and strategies in their communities for any meaningful impact to be achieved because excluding people does not proffer solution as we currently observe.
“It is high time that the CNG’s suggestions that a security taskforce modelled after Civilian-JTF called “Arewa Security Taskforce” should be revisited.
“Highly reputable and disciplined retired northern security officers, in collaboration with traditional institutions and security operatives can work with localities. The localities should engage, train and deploy youths in their local communities to protect their villages, towns and cities. The task force will have a rule of engagement, vehicles, uniform, weaponry, and other needs for its operation.
“CNG has, in its possession, a comprehensive, systematic and verifiable programme structure on how the task force can be created, organised and executed, which can be made available to the northern leaders for adoption, subject to ratification by security experts.
“We reiterate our call to Northern Governors and traditional leaders to join hands with willing citizens to protect and secure their communities, towns and villages from bloodthirsty killers.
