The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has admitted giving arms to Vigilantes to support security forces in countering terrorism, banditry and other criminal elements in difficult terrains.

A statement by the Head, Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, ONSA, Mr Abu Michael, said pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the ONSA, continued to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.

He stated this while responding to media reports on the Kwara State incident where a rifle issued by the office of the National Security Adviser was recovered.

He urged the media to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.

According to the Spokesman, recent media reports published on some online platforms have made it necessary to clarify ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of the country, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.

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.

“This approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.

“The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes.

“The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations.”

He noted that details of the incident were being restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces.

“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,” he added.

He said all hybrid personnel were recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence.

“All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures”.

He therefore, urged the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of these operations.

“The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons,” he stated.

He further assured that the National Counter Terrorism Centre remained committed to an open-door policy to deepen stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. (LEADERSHIP)

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