In Nigeria, states in the conflict-ravaged northern region are ramping up efforts to bolster security in villages plagued by violent killings and kidnappings by establishing community vigilance patrol units.
Amidst the challenges posed by the Islamist insurgency in the northeastern part of the country, security forces are grappling with limited resources to combat armed gangs operating in remote areas where government presence is minimal.
The town of Kaduna, located just 100 kilometers from the site where 300 children were recently abducted, has formed a local vigilante group known as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to safeguard the local communities.
Emmanuel Audu-Bature, who was himself a kidnapping victim, joined the CJTF to help defend his community against violent gangs. Recalling his harrowing experience, he shared, “As a victim, I was taken to their camp and spent a week there. It was not a fun experience. I was really beaten and threatened to be killed.”
Vigilante groups like the CJTF have a distinct advantage over state security forces due to their extensive knowledge of the territories and forests where armed gangs operate. Audu-Bature emphasized the group’s ability to provide valuable local intelligence, stating, “No matter who you are looking for, if the person is in our community, give us a few hours and we will flush them out.”
While these community vigilante groups play a crucial role in securing gang-dominated villages, they often lack adequate equipment and training compared to official security forces. Nigerian terrorism expert Dickson Osagie stressed the importance of greater control over these groups to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation for their illicit activities.
Osagie suggested that if allowed to carry weapons, the vigilante groups should be formally organized by the government and receive training on gun handling and small arms management to avoid potential misuse.
Despite the challenges they face, these vigilante groups remain dedicated to protecting their communities under arduous circumstances, with Audu-Bature expressing hope for government support to establish a more peaceful society.
Regional governments are increasingly turning to these community-driven initiatives in their efforts to enhance security in conflict-affected areas, underscoring the critical role played by vigilant community members in safeguarding their neighborhoods.
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