By THE Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerians to take an active role in securing their communities, stressing that security forces alone cannot protect every locality from terrorist threats.
Speaking during a public engagement broadcast by Symfoni, Ajayi underscored the limitations of the military, police, and intelligence agencies in covering all parts of the country.
He, therefore, urged citizens to embrace a proactive approach to security.
Citing Past Incidents of Community Resistance
Ajayi referenced past events in Bauchi State, where local communities successfully defended themselves against insurgents without waiting for security reinforcements.
“Speaking seriously about the practical approach to mobilising against insecurity, I will share my experience when I was a State Director in Bauchi,” he stated.
He recounted an incident in Azare, where Boko Haram terrorists attempted an abduction, but the local community fought back and neutralised all attackers.
“Most of you will remember an incident in Azare. A group of Boko Haram terrorists invaded the town, 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.”
Endorsement from Former Head of State
Ajayi cited former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), who endorsed the concept of community-led resistance.
“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.’”
Lessons from Tafawa Balewa Local Government
The DSS chief also highlighted Tafawa Balewa Local Government in Bauchi State as another successful case of community defence.
“The people there rose up on one occasion. They knew their terrain better, climbed up the trees and mountains, and when the invaders came, they not only stopped them but also seized their weapons. Since then, you hardly hear about attacks in Tafawa Balewa.”
Communities as the First Line of Defence
Ajayi emphasised the necessity of mobilising all members of society in security efforts, noting that the burden cannot rest solely on security forces.
“What I am trying to say is that the practical approach to mobilising people is that you have to get everyone involved. 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 urged Nigerians to rethink their approach to self-defence, stressing that communities must be the “first line of defence” against terrorists and criminals.
“The military, police, and other security agencies are there to handle the bigger threats. But communities must take responsibility for defending themselves at the local level.
“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.’
“This is what Tafawa Balewa has done. If you go there to attack them, you will regret it. I challenge anybody to try it.”
A Call to Nigerian Elites
Ajayi urged influential Nigerians to promote this self-defence model within their communities.
“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 concluded.
His remarks reinforce the need for grassroots-driven security initiatives, positioning community involvement as a crucial pillar in the fight against insecurity.
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