.. To recruit 4000 youths for comprehensive coverage of all Fulani communities.
..Nigeria Police backs Initiative, caution on taking laws into hands.
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a bid to address the escalating security concerns in Nasarawa State, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, the Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, has launched a Nomad Vigilante group to collaborate with conventional security agencies.
Bello Bodejo, National President of the association on Wednesday during the launching at the Abacha Youth Centre Lafia, emphasized the necessity of forming this group amidst the rising security challenges across the country.
He disclosed that the inaugural batch consists of 1144 Fulani youths from diverse communities in the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nasarawa State. Furthermore, he revealed that ongoing profiling aims to recruit up to 4000 youths for comprehensive coverage of all Fulani communities.
Bodejo assured that the vigilante would actively contribute to identifying and apprehending criminal elements within the Fulani community, turning them over to security agencies for appropriate action.
Sun reports that the primary focus of the group is to complement conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering and surveillance, specifically targeting issues such as kidnapping and banditry.
“We will cooperate with conventional security agencies and adhere to the provisions of the law in carrying out our duties,” Bodejo affirmed, urging Nigerians to avoid ethnic profiling of criminals and treat offenders impartially.
Bodejo concluded by announcing plans to replicate similar groups in other states across the federation, highlighting a commitment to bolstering security efforts nationwide.
Umar Nadada, Commissioner of Police in the state, commended the initiative, stating that the formation of the Nomad Vigilante is timely given the prevailing security challenges. He expressed the police’s readiness to collaborate with groups dedicated to enhancing the security of lives and property.
Nadada cautioned the vigilante against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with security agencies. He clarified that the Nomad Vigilante would not be permitted to use firearms during their operations.
The inauguration event witnessed the presence of representatives from the Nigeria Army and various other security agencies.