By Nahum Sule, Jalingo

In a fiery and impassioned speech delivered at a public event in Takum, Taraba State, on Saturday, former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.) called on Nigerians to take their security into their own hands, warning that dependence on government forces for protection is no longer a viable option.

Citing the unrelenting wave of violence perpetrated by bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs across the country, Danjuma reiterated a warning he issued five years ago, emphasizing its continued relevance in the face of escalating insecurity.

Danjuma’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in violent attacks, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where dozens of lives have been lost and entire communities uprooted in recent weeks.

The retired general, a prominent figure from Takum, expressed deep frustration with what he described as the government’s failure to curb the rising tide of lawlessness.

“The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then,” he declared.

“Nigerians must rise and defend themselves. We can not continue to sit and watch bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.”

The former defence minister painted a grim picture of the current security landscape, pointing to the recurring massacres in Nigeria’s north-central region as evidence of systemic failure. He argued that the government’s inability to provide adequate protection has left citizens vulnerable, urging communities to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their lives, families, and properties.

“It is now very clear that the government alone can not protect us,” Danjuma asserted.

“We must stand up and defend ourselves, our families, and our lands before these criminals overrun the entire country.”

The call to self-defence has sparked widespread debate, with some hailing Danjuma’s bluntness as a necessary wake-up call, while others caution that such rhetoric could exacerbate vigilante justice and further destabilize the region.

The retired general’s remarks resonate deeply in areas like Benue and Plateau, where residents have borne the brunt of relentless attacks by armed groups. In recent months, these states have witnessed horrific incidents, including the slaughter of villagers, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of thousands, leaving communities in a state of fear and despair.

Danjuma’s outspoken stance is rooted in his long-standing critique of Nigeria’s security architecture. Five years ago, he made headlines when he accused certain elements within the military of complicity in the violence plaguing the country, a claim that stirred controversy and drew sharp reactions. His latest comments reflect a deepening sense of urgency, as the nation continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes.

As Nigeria navigates this precarious moment, Danjuma’s words underscore the growing frustration among citizens who feel abandoned by the state. However, his call for self-defence raises critical questions about the implications of communities taking up arms in the absence of robust governance and coordinated security measures. For now, the retired general’s message serves as both a rallying cry and a stark reminder of the daunting challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation.

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‎The Nigeria Police Force said it has completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar, to Nigeria.

Killaboi, who had been on the run for the murder of Augusta Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.

‎The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, dated 29th September 2024.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, said the matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which investigations revealed that the suspect murdered Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, in his residence located at No. 24a Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.

‎Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.

The statement said “He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity ‘KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Freetown.

“Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.

“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.”

‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja.

He extended appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

‎The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.

Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia north, says the federal government should urgently address the growing insecurity in many parts of the country.

In a video posted from China on his social media page on Monday, Kalu warned that terrorists may overrun the south-east region and Borno if no action is taken.

The senator said the worsening security situation requires decisive intervention devoid of politics.

Kalu, who chairs the senate committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), urged the federal government to commit more resources to security agencies to confront the threat.
He warned that insecurity in Nigeria is no longer a matter of political argument but a dire national crisis.

The senator was reacting to a recent warning by Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, who said insurgents have regained control of parts of the state.

Kalu said the situation in Borno mirrors the growing threat in the south-east and called for immediate intervention to prevent a total collapse.

“I want to believe Professor Zulum that the security situation is deteriorating every day, so we need to step up, especially in the south-east,” the lawmaker said.

“Our south-east governors are doing their best to fight insurgency. I would like the federal government to step up security in the south-east because it’s a gateway for people transporting goods from the ports and refineries.”

Kalu also faulted the ongoing disagreement between Zulum and Mohammed Idris, minister of information, over the state of security, insisting the president must be told the truth.

“For me, Professor Zulum and the minister don’t need to argue. These are fundamental issues. If we don’t tell President Tinubu the truth, the place will be ungovernable,” he said.

“So, it is better we tell him the truth on the condition of the insecurity situation in Nigeria.”

He commended the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that they have shown commitment in the face of limited resources.

“Our Nigerian Army has been doing their best, and I congratulate them — especially the chief of army staff, the inspector-general of police, and other security chiefs — for all the efforts they have been putting in,” he said.

Kalu urged the federal government to channel more funds, equipment, and attention to Borno and the south-east.

“We cannot play politics with insecurity; we should take the art of governance very seriously,” he said.

The senator advised the minister of information to consult security chiefs before issuing public statements on security matters.

“No governor or president wants his people to die, so I urge the minister of information to step down some of the statements he is making about insecurity and should also consult the chief of army staff and the inspector-general of police,” he said.

“The national security adviser has also been on top of his game, but people should stop making statements without consulting the security agencies.”

Kalu expressed confidence in the security leadership, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), and called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu in tackling insecurity and rebuilding the economy.

“The DSS will continue to provide information. I believe Tosin is very capable — he is a young lad who is capable,” he said.

“We can rid all these criminals away and build our economy to be strong. Let us stop politics and concentrate on the economy of Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has done his best; let’s support him to build our economy together.”

Zulum recently expressed concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across the state.

He spoke on April 8 at a security meeting attended by military commanders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

On Sunday, Mohammed Monguno, senator representing Borno north, said any government that fails to guarantee the safety of its citizens does not deserve to remain in power.

Speaking in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, after a security meeting, Monguno, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said security is the fundamental purpose of government.