Plans by Fulani herders and terrorist groups to attack the southern part of Nigeria and possibly take over the land have continued to heighten based on intelligence reports and surveillance by the Department of State Security (DSS).
In a video trending on social media, a DSS boss expressed concerns over the continuous influx of Fulani herders across states in southern Nigeria.
Several states, including Imo, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia, have reportedly faced serious attacks from herdsmen and their allies. Other states such as Edo, Ondo, and Nasarawa are also affected, making this a national issue across all regions and zones. Virtually every community and rural area has been impacted by herders and terrorist invasions, according to reports.
Farmlands have been destroyed, cash crops ruined, many people abducted, and several killings reported. A large number of Fulani herders have settled in forests across these states, worsening insecurity and tension.
However, the DSS boss stated that “Nigerians must take responsibility for their own security, as the military, police, and intelligence agencies do not have the capacity to protect every community from terrorist attacks nationwide.”
He emphasized that Nigerians should not solely rely on security agencies for protection but should begin to mobilize and defend themselves against terrorists.
The DSS chief cited past incidents in Bauchi State, where local communities successfully resisted Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for security forces.
The Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, reiterated this, stating that communities must play an active role in their security.
Ajayi referenced an attack in Azare, Bauchi State, where Boko Haram terrorists invaded the town and attempted kidnappings. However, the local community fought back, killing all the attackers. Since then, Azare has remained free of terrorist attacks.
He also cited former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), who once stated: “If we want to stop or curb terrorism, we should emulate the Azare example.”
Ajayi also mentioned Tafawa Balewa Local Government in Bauchi State as another case study where community members successfully defended themselves against attacks.
“The people there knew their terrain better. They climbed trees and mountains and successfully fought off invaders, even seizing their weapons. Since then, attacks have significantly reduced in Tafawa Balewa.”
Ajayi stressed that community participation is essential in combating insecurity.
“You cannot expect the Nigerian Army, police, or DSS to protect every Nigerian in every community. It is impossible to deploy security forces everywhere. No security agency has the resources to do that,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to adopt a new mindset regarding self-defense, noting that communities must serve as the “first line of defense” against terrorists and criminals.
“The military, police, and other security agencies are there to handle major threats, but local communities must take charge of their immediate security. Our culture is communal—we do weddings, ceremonies, and other activities together. So why can’t we unite to fight against criminals among us?”
Ajayi stated that Tafawa Balewa has successfully implemented this approach, warning that any group attempting an attack there would “regret it.”
He called on Nigerian elites and influential figures to encourage this model of community-led security initiatives.
“When we leave here, those of us with influence must engage our communities. Get the necessary approvals and guidance, and we can stop these criminals together,” he added.
This security intelligence report from the DSS boss calls for urgent government action to establish structured community security groups and vigilantes. These local forces should collaborate with national security agencies such as the Police, Army, DSS, Navy, and Air Force to combat rising insecurity in rural areas, especially in the South-East and South-South.
Additionally, the development strengthens the argument for passing the Community Policing Bill into law to enhance grassroots security across Nigeria.
- Princely Onyenwe reporting
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