Community-Based Self-Defense Advocated to Tackle Banditry in Northern Nigeria
The Arewa Broadcasting Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) is calling for the implementation of community-based self-defense strategies to address the rising tide of banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria. The forum highlights the urgent need for residents to become active participants in their own security amid ongoing violent attacks.
New Strategies Required to Address Security Concerns
During a press conference held in Abuja, ABMPF Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa emphasized that the deteriorating security landscape necessitates innovative approaches that empower local communities. He stated, “Let’s give communities a sense of self-defense and you will be surprised how many are ready to stand up,” stressing that a strategic response to banditry is essential.
Violence and Insecurity Continue to Escalate
Yelwa’s remarks follow a surge in violent incidents, including kidnappings and killings, primarily affecting northern regions. The relentless insecurity has displaced thousands and left many farmers unable to work their land, exacerbating already dire conditions.
Calls for Decentralized Security Framework
Pointing to systemic issues, Yelwa noted that the security crisis has intensified since early 2026, with military forces facing organized attacks across multiple states. He contended that current security strategies are inadequate and must reflect local circumstances. “Most of the time, the problems are in our villages, but the solutions are being designed here in Abuja,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a more decentralized security framework that empowers communities.
Community Involvement in Crime Prevention Needed
Yelwa urged residents to identify and expose criminal networks, stressing that communities must recognize and challenge the “bandit ecosystem” that allows criminal activities to thrive. He indicated that a shift away from a reactive “culture of victimhood” is crucial for effective self-protection against banditry and terrorism.
Federal Government Urged to Intensify Response
Furthermore, Yelwa called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in northern Nigeria, advocating for stronger military interventions against criminal gangs. While he supports the establishment of local police and forest guard structures, he insisted that these efforts need bolstering by federal resources and strategies.
Humanitarian Crisis and Economic Impact of Violence
The ABMPF also highlighted the broader humanitarian and economic crises stemming from ongoing violence. Disruptions in agricultural activities have not only diminished food production but have also escalated food insecurity across the region. The rising number of out-of-school children poses a significant threat to long-term socio-economic development, further necessitating immediate attention to security issues.
Commitment to Advocacy and Regulatory Oversight
On behalf of the Forum’s Board of Directors, Shuaib Mngadi reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to voicing the concerns of Nigerians affected by security challenges. He underscored illegal mining as a key contributor to instability in the region, urging the federal government to regulate this sector more stringently to ensure that local communities benefit from their natural resources.
Collaboration and Influence of ABMPF
The ABMPF, representing over 150 National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) licensed broadcasters in Northern Nigeria, emphasizes its ongoing collaboration with government and security agencies to harness broadcast media effectively in promoting regional development and addressing critical challenges. With a combined audience of more than 85 million people, the forum underscores its potential influence in shaping public discourse on these pressing issues.
