In an interview with MIKE ODIEGWU, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, addressed the persistent security issues facing Nigeria and shared his thoughts on how they can be resolved.

President Tinubu’s Efforts on Security

Nwuche commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive approach in tackling terrorism, especially with the successful rescue of the abducted church worshippers in Kwara and schoolgirls in Kebbi. He acknowledged the President’s decision to replace the service chiefs and reorganize the security architecture, suggesting that these steps may lead to better security outcomes. He highlighted the recent successes in rescuing abducted schoolgirls and the military’s intensified operations against terrorists.

Armed Fulani Herdsmen and Bandits

Nwuche expressed concern about the involvement of armed Fulani herdsmen, bandits, and Boko Haram militants in kidnappings and violence across the country. He urged Fulani elders to intervene and call their youth to order to prevent national division. Nwuche emphasized that if a particular ethnic group is seen as responsible for much of the violence, it could create resentment among other groups and harm national unity.

Addressing speculation that these attacks may be politically motivated due to upcoming elections, Nwuche noted that similar fears had emerged during previous elections. He pointed out that the security issues Nigeria faces today have been a long-standing problem that the current administration inherited.

Police Protection and Armed Citizens

On the recent decision by the President to withdraw police protection from VIPs and the suggestion by some lawmakers to allow citizens to bear arms, Nwuche agreed with both measures. He argued that police forces should be sufficiently equipped to protect the general public, not just VIPs. He also supported the idea of allowing responsible citizens to own firearms after proper vetting. In his view, allowing only criminals access to arms while disarming ordinary Nigerians puts citizens at risk and encourages terrorism.

Nwuche called for the establishment of state police forces and the funding of vigilante groups to protect local communities. He pointed out that states like Plateau and Benue, where innocent people are killed regularly, would benefit from better-equipped citizens and vigilantes capable of defending themselves.

Fulani Herdsmen and Land Grabbing

Nwuche also addressed the concerns about Fulani herdsmen’s alleged agenda of land grabbing and expansion in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in the South-South and other regions. He acknowledged that some of these attacks seemed targeted at specific communities, but he rejected the idea that they were part of a coordinated jihadist effort.

He called on the government to go after not just the terrorists but also their sponsors, urging swift action to end the violence and restore peace. He also reassured the people of the South-South that they were not vulnerable to any attempts at overrun, emphasizing that the people of the region would resist any external threats.

The Role of Governors and Local Vigilantes

Nwuche urged state governors to do more to protect their citizens by forming and supporting local vigilante groups. He stressed that citizens should not be left defenseless against terrorists who have access to sophisticated weapons. Governors, he said, should help their people exercise their constitutional right to self-defense, especially in areas vulnerable to constant attacks.

Investigating Terrorist Negotiators

Finally, Nwuche called for a thorough investigation into individuals who negotiate on behalf of terrorists and bandits. He singled out some clergymen who he believes have acted as spokespersons for terror groups, urging the government to take a strong stance against any form of terrorism or banditry in the country.