The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has provided a crucial explanation for the recent arrest of armed individuals in Kwara State, stating they were government-backed vigilante operatives and not criminal bandits. This clarification, issued on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, follows public alarm over the recovery of a rifle from the suspects.
Hybrid Security Strategy Explained
In a statement released by Mr. Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, detailed the government's approach. He explained that the Federal Government has adopted a hybrid security strategy authorized under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
This model involves deploying trained auxiliaries, including hunters and vigilantes, to support regular security forces in difficult terrains like forests where bandits and terrorists hide. Ribadu compared this to the successful Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) model used against Boko Haram in the North-East, which is now being applied in the North-West and North-Central regions.
Clarification on Arms and Recruitment
The NSA strongly dismissed claims that arms were distributed to socio-cultural organizations, labeling such reports as false and misleading. "For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups," the statement read.
It was emphasized that all auxiliary personnel are recruited directly by authorized security and intelligence agencies following strict due process. The rifle recovered in Kwara was officially issued to support these specific counter-terrorism operations. The NSA's office attributed the limited information initially released to the sensitive nature of ongoing security missions.
Public Reaction and Lingering Tensions
Following the Kwara state government's post on social media platform X, Nigerians expressed skepticism and demanded more transparency. Key questions raised online included:
- Why were the vigilantes not known to the state governor and local authorities?
- What was the recruitment process for these operatives?
- Why was there a lack of prior notification to the state government?
This incident occurs against a backdrop of renewed security concerns in Kwara. Legit.ng had earlier reported a recent attack in Oreke town, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where suspected bandits killed two youths, causing families to flee. This attack happened weeks after residents had returned following government assurances of improved security.
The Office of the NSA concluded by urging the media to exercise responsibility in reporting security matters, warning that disclosing operational details could endanger lives and compromise national security efforts.
