NEWS
ONSA Confirms Deployment of Hybrid Security Strategy as Vigilantes Support Counter-Terrorism Operations, Clarifies Kwara Rifle Incident
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has acknowledged providing arms to vigilante elements as part of coordinated efforts to support Nigeria’s security forces in combating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, particularly in difficult and forested terrains across the country.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the ONSA, Mr. Abu Michael. The statement explained that the actions of the NCTC are firmly grounded in the provisions of Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which empowers the Centre to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.
The statement was issued in response to recent media reports concerning an incident in Kwara State, where a rifle reportedly issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser was recovered.
According to the spokesman, the reports necessitated a public clarification, especially in light of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of the country, with particular focus on forested areas of Kwara State.
Addressing the operational framework guiding these efforts, Mr. Michael stated, “In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries, such as hunters and vigilante elements, to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.”
He further explained that this approach is not new, recalling that “This approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.”
According to the NCTC spokesman, the same model is currently being applied in other regions facing security challenges.
“The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes.”
On the specific situation in Kwara State, he emphasized that the state is not an exception to this national strategy, noting, “The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations.”
Mr. Michael explained that operational details surrounding the incident have been deliberately restricted in order to prevent compromise of ongoing missions and to ensure the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces involved. He stressed that misinformation could endanger lives and undermine national security objectives.
He also issued a firm clarification regarding claims linking the operations to socio-cultural groups, stating, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.”
Reinforcing this position, he added, “Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.”
According to the statement, all individuals involved in hybrid operations are not affiliated with socio-cultural bodies but are carefully selected and screened.
“All hybrid personnel were recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence,” the spokesman said.
He further assured that “All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures,” urging the public to dismiss unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct and intent of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
In addition, the NCTC appealed to the media to play a responsible role in national security matters.
“The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons,” he stated.
The statement concluded with a reassurance of transparency and engagement, as Mr. Michael affirmed that the National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to an open-door policy aimed at deepening public and stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies and operations.