Southern, middle belt leaders criticise FG’s handling of insecurity, call for regulated self-defence

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called for a regulated self-defence policy in Nigeria to tackle the country’s rising insecurity.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group said citizens should be empowered to defend themselves within a legal and controlled framework, particularly as violent attacks continue to spread across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, leader of Afenifere; Bitrus Pogu, president of the Middle Belt Forum; John Azuta Mbata, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Godknows Igali, national chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

The forum said the frequency, spread, and brutality of attacks indicate that Nigeria’s security situation is deteriorating, leaving citizens increasingly unsafe in both rural and urban areas.

It cited recent incidents, including the killing of residents on Palm Sunday in Unguwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau state; the killing and abduction of Christian worshippers during Easter in Kahir village in Kachia LGA of Kaduna; and the killing of 17 persons in Gwer community in Benue.

According to the group, the inability of security forces to respond promptly to such attacks underscores the need for communities to serve as the first line of defence.

“If the government is unable to fully secure lives and property, it has a responsibility to empower citizens to defend themselves,” the statement reads.

SMBLF proposed the liberalisation of access to legally approved weapons under strict regulation, including controlled distribution to responsible individuals and community-based security groups.

The forum also faulted the federal government’s overall approach to insecurity, describing it as ineffective.

It said the growing boldness of terrorists reflects a system that lacks deterrence and accountability.

“This will enable communities to serve as the first line of defence against attacks. No community should be left helpless while waiting for security forces that often arrive too late,” the forum said.

“These heinous crimes must not go without accountability and justice. Heads must roll.”

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, SMBLF expressed concern that some government officials appear lenient in dealing with terrorists.

It referenced remarks attributed to Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff (CDS), who reportedly described terrorists as “prodigal sons” deserving reintegration, and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), who referred to bandits as “our brothers that we must live with.”

The forum said such comments send a “dangerous message” and risk undermining justice for victims.

The forum also criticised the federal government’s deradicalisation initiative —operation open corridor— describing it as a programme that prioritises the rehabilitation of former terrorists over the welfare of victims.

The group called for the scrapping of the programme and urged the government to prioritise victims of violence.

It also advocated a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, anchored on intelligence, accountability, and deterrence.

“These individuals have destroyed communities, killed thousands and displaced millions. Yet they are rehabilitated and reintegrated, while their victims remain in overcrowded IDP camps under deplorable conditions,” the group added.

“This situation is not only unjust; it is deeply insulting to those who have suffered.”

“The current approach is failing, and time is running out. The government must rethink its policies and prioritise the safety of innocent citizens above all else.” (TheCable)