Army, Police Can’t Protect Every Nigerian From Terrorists, Defend Yourselves – DSS Boss
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their own security, stating that the military, police, and intelligence agencies lack the capacity to protect every community from terrorist attacks across the nation.
Ajayi made the statement during a public engagement broadcast by Symfoni, where he stressed that community-led security efforts were vital in addressing the country’s insecurity challenges.
He cited examples from Bauchi State, where local residents successfully repelled Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for government intervention.
“Speaking seriously about the practical approach to mobilising against insecurity, I will share my experience when I was a State Director in Bauchi,” Ajayi stated.
“Most of you will remember an incident in Azare. A group of Boko Haram terrorists invaded Azare, shooting in an attempt to kidnap people. But the community fought back. They killed some members of the community, but in the end, the people killed all of them. Since that day, there has not been a single terrorist attack in Azare.”
The DSS boss referenced former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), who once advocated for community-led resistance as an effective strategy against terrorism.
“As a matter of fact, the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, said, and I quote, ‘If we want to stop or curb terrorism, we should emulate the Azare example,’” Ajayi added.
He further pointed to Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in Bauchi State as another example of how local defence initiatives have deterred attacks.
According to him, community members strategically positioned themselves to defend their territory, ultimately capturing weapons from insurgents.
“Since then, you hardly hear about attacks in Tafawa Balewa,” he said.
Ajayi emphasised that no security agency has the resources to be present in every locality, making it crucial for communities to play a proactive role in securing their environments.
“The military, police, and DSS are there to handle the bigger threats, but communities must take responsibility for defending themselves at the local level,” he stated.
He called on Nigerian elites and influential figures to encourage local security initiatives within their communities.
“Our culture is communal. We do things together—weddings, ceremonies, and everything. So why can’t we fight against some of the miscreants among us together? The community should make it clear: ‘You cannot come here,’” he declared.
Ajayi urged community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to develop structured defence mechanisms that complement government efforts.
“When we leave here, those of us who have influence, the elites in society, must discuss with our communities. Come to us, get some approvals and guidance, and then we can stop these criminals,” he added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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