•Youths Advocate Legal Empowerment for Local Defense Amidst Rising Insecurity.
By Suleiman Ibrahim.
The Northern Ethnic Youths Group has issued a fervent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the adoption of a comprehensive community-based security strategy where communities are legally empowered to defend themselves against escalating insecurity. This call aligns with recent pronouncements by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, and retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, highlighting the growing consensus on the necessity of local defense mechanisms.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday in Abuja, NEYGA spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa, emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the nation’s security architecture. “The persistent and pervasive insecurity plaguing our communities demands immediate and decisive action,” Dan-Musa stated. “The time has come for communities to serve as the first line of defense, equipped and legally authorized to protect their lives and properties.”
The group’s appeal resonates with the recent advocacy of DSS boss Tosin Ajayi, who stressed the importance of community involvement in security, advocating for their empowerment with intelligence, coordination, and legal backing. Ajayi’s vision of building a resilient security model from the grassroots level, with the state’s support, has found strong support within the Northern Ethnic Youths Group.
Furthermore, the group’s position echoes the consistent and vocal calls by retired General Ty Danjuma, who has repeatedly urged Nigerians, especially those in vulnerable regions, to take up self-defense due to the perceived inadequacies of the current security apparatus. Danjuma’s stance, rooted in the belief that citizens must protect themselves amid government shortcomings, underscores the urgency of the situation.
“We are not advocating for anarchy or lawlessness,” Dan-Musa clarified. “Rather, we are calling for a structured, legally regulated framework that empowers communities to defend themselves in collaboration with existing security agencies. This is about building a layered defense system that leverages local knowledge and resources.”
The Northern Ethnic Youths Group believes that empowering communities legally will not only enhance security but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens. They argue that this approach will complement the efforts of the military and police, creating a more robust and effective security network.
“We urge President Tinubu to heed the voices of those on the frontlines of this crisis,” Dan-Musa concluded. “Embracing community-based security is not just a strategic necessity; it is a moral imperative. Our communities cannot continue to be at the mercy of violent criminals. The time for action is now.”
The group called on the Federal government to begin immediate consultations with community leaders, security experts, and legal professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive community-based security framework.
