ONSA confirms support for vigilantes in Kwara security operations

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that it provides arms to trained vigilante groups working alongside security agencies in Kwara State as part of efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in hard-to-reach terrains.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Mr Abu Michael, issued in response to media reports concerning the recovery of a rifle reportedly issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Kwara State.

According to the statement, the NCTC, operating under ONSA, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. The office said this includes the use of hybrid security operations involving conventional security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries.

ONSA explained that the hybrid approach allows trained hunters and vigilante elements to operate alongside regular forces in difficult terrains such as forests, where criminal groups often take cover. It noted that the strategy has been applied in several parts of the country and has recorded positive results.

The statement recalled that a similar model was used during operations against Boko Haram in the North-East, where the Civilian Joint Task Force worked with the Armed Forces. It added that the same approach is currently being deployed in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions to weaken the operational capacity of bandit and terrorist groups.

Addressing the Kwara situation, ONSA said the state is not an exception to the ongoing hybrid operations but stressed that some media reports on the issue were inaccurate. It explained that limited public information was due to the sensitive nature of counter-terrorism operations and the need to prevent operational compromise and protect personnel.

The office clarified that the Federal Government is not conducting kinetic operations with socio-cultural organisations and dismissed claims that arms were supplied to any such groups. It stated that all auxiliary personnel involved in hybrid operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence.

ONSA further stated that all operations are conducted in line with the law and established standard operating procedures, urging the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent security efforts.

The office also called on the media to act responsibly by protecting sensitive security information and seeking clarification through designated official spokespersons. It reaffirmed the NCTC’s commitment to stakeholder engagement to improve public understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale