The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has stated that Nigerians must take responsibility for their own security, as the military, police, and intelligence agencies lack the capacity to protect every community from terrorist attacks nationwide.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Ajayi made these remarks during a public engagement broadcasted by Symfoni.
He referenced past incidents in Bauchi State, where local communities successfully defended themselves against Boko Haram insurgents without waiting for security forces.
“Speaking seriously about the practical approach to mobilizing against insecurity, I will share my experience when I was a State Director in Bauchi,” Ajayi said.
“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 lost some members, but in the end, they killed all the attackers. Since that day, there has not been a single terrorist attack in Azare.”
Ajayi also cited former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) as endorsing the idea 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.’”
According to Ajayi, Tafawa Balewa Local Government in Bauchi State is another example of effective community defense.
“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.”
Ajayi emphasized that security forces alone cannot guarantee safety, and communities must serve as the “first line of defense” against terrorists and other 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.”*
Ajayi urged Nigerian elites and influential figures to promote this model in 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 added.
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