DSS boss wants community-led defence against terrorists

…..urged FG to train locals

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has emphasized the need for local communities to take ownership of their security.

He believes locals can play crucial role in intelligence gathering and community peace building and conflict prevention.

Speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, Mr. Ajayi stressed that community-led defence is crucial in combating insecurity in Nigeria.

Irohinoodua monitored reports quoting Mr. Ajayi cite examples of a community in Azare, Bauchi State, which successfully repelled an attack by Boko Haram terrorists.

This, he noted, demonstrates the potential for people in rural areas to contribute to their own security when equipped with the necessary training and resources.

Mr. Ajayi said that Nigeria’s security architecture face significant challenges in providing comprehensive protection to all citizens.

Nigeria is currently ravaged by insurgents driven by religious extremism and brazen crime in Northern Nigeria while separatist groups are entrenched in the South East of the country.

He communities should provide the first line of protection before other institutions like the military, police, and SSS come in to guarantee security.

He said given the country’s over 200m people, community protection is essential.

The strategy suggested by Mr Ajayi is the standard practice in many European countries.

Mr. Ajayi said local communities should be empowered to provide security for their ancestral areas.

He said this will boost effective national security and also promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among people in local areas.

The gathering had in attendanc prominent security experts.

At the event were the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa.

Their presence is believed to show a possible line of thinking by the Federal Government in engaging communities to protect their indigenous areas.
Other experts who spoke at the event believed community driven security will be cheaper and even more effective.