MBF and Northern Governors Advocate for Self-Defence and State Police Reforms
In a significant development addressing Nigeria's ongoing security crisis, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on the Federal Government to liberalise access to basic self-defence weapons for citizens. This appeal comes as the group also accused the Nasarawa State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Hassan Abdullahi, of alleged intimidation and harassment. The MBF's position was outlined in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, emphasising that citizens facing persistent attacks should be allowed lawful and affordable access to simple defensive tools under a regulated system.
Allegations Against DSS and Political Targeting
The group's statement emerged amid allegations that DSS operatives in Nasarawa State are targeting a House of Representatives aspirant, Terry Tsala, over what the MBF described as a harmless effort to protect himself. According to the MBF, Tsala, who is contesting to represent the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, was allegedly arrested on the orders of Abdullahi and accused of attempting to procure five hunting rifles—an allegation he has firmly denied. The MBF clarified that Tsala had only sought to acquire a locally made hunting gun from a licensed manufacturer, a practice it said is common among residents of insecure communities in the Middle Belt region.
Despite his denial, the forum claimed Tsala has been repeatedly summoned to the DSS office in Lafia and pressured to admit to the claim. The group argued that hunting guns are not illegal when properly obtained, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and allows citizens to take reasonable steps to defend themselves. This incident highlights broader concerns about security and civil liberties in areas plagued by violence.
Northern Governors' Push for State Policing
In a related development, the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) has reiterated that the nature and complexity of the security challenges facing the country require localised, intelligence-driven responses that only state policing can effectively provide. Chairman of the Forum and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, stated this during their meeting yesterday in Abuja. He recalled that when they met last December, they were confronted with a deeply troubling security situation that demanded urgent, coordinated, and decisive action.
Yahaya noted that through collective efforts and support from the Federal Government, the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement. However, he stressed that there is absolutely no room for complacency, saying they must sustain and intensify their collective efforts to consolidate on the gains by neutralising emerging threats and ensuring that peace and security take firm and lasting roots across the region. Yahaya maintained that the safety of their people remained the foundation upon which all development rests, underscoring the critical need for tailored security measures.
Broader Implications for National Security
The calls from both the MBF and Northern Governors reflect a growing consensus on the need for decentralised security solutions in Nigeria. The MBF's advocacy for self-defence tools aims to empower citizens in vulnerable areas, while the push for state police seeks to enhance local law enforcement capabilities. These proposals come against a backdrop of rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, which have strained federal security agencies.
As debates over security reforms continue, stakeholders emphasise the importance of balancing individual rights with regulatory oversight. The MBF's reference to constitutional provisions highlights legal frameworks that support self-defence, while the Northern Governors' focus on state policing aligns with broader calls for devolving security powers to address regional specificities. Together, these positions signal a shift towards more proactive and community-oriented approaches to safeguarding lives and property in Nigeria.
