In Nigeria, self-defence groups step in to compensate for widening security gaps
PositiveWorld Affairs
- In Nigeria, approximately 50,000 volunteer vigilantes have emerged to protect rural communities amid a significant absence of security forces. These local brigades, exemplified by individuals like Makailu in Niger State, actively patrol and defend villages against increasing bandit attacks and ongoing security challenges.
- The rise of these self-defense groups highlights a critical response to the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, where traditional law enforcement has struggled to maintain safety. Their efforts not only aim to safeguard their communities but also reflect a growing reliance on grassroots initiatives in the face of governmental shortcomings.
- This development underscores a broader trend of rising violence in Nigeria, particularly concerning mass kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions. The recent abduction of over 300 schoolchildren from a Catholic school in Niger State illustrates the urgent need for effective security measures, as families increasingly turn to local vigilantes for protection amid a deteriorating security landscape.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
