‘NATFORCE not defying FGs directives’

By: Timothy Steve This is to refer to recent media reports that security agencies are set to carry out a major crackdown on an illegal security outfit, the National Taskforce on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons (NATFORCE) , for defying Federal Government’s ban on its operations throughout the country. […]

By: Timothy Steve

This is to refer to recent media reports that security agencies are set to carry out a major crackdown on an illegal security outfit, the National Taskforce on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons (NATFORCE) , for defying Federal Government’s ban on its operations throughout the country.

The false reports also alleged that NATFORCE has become emboldened in its illegal activities by luring some influential Nigerians, particularly some retired military personnel, ex-senior police officers and some members of the National Assembly with employment promises for their preferred candidates and people in their constituencies.

This is far from the truth. In June 2021, FG had declared NATFORCE as an illegal security outfit and directed it and other similar groups to immediately end their operations nationwide.

 

Consequent upon the directive by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), Dr. Baba Mohammed, the Director General of NATFORCE,directed, vide an internal memo dated 12th June,2021, and another reminder on 12th November, 2021 to all zonal state directors, prohibiting all activities at the commands.

For the avoidance of doubt, NATFORCE is not conducting any illegal activities, is not engaging in mounting road blocks, conducting illegal searches and seizures, and extortion of innocent members of the public and certainly neither deceiving members of the public through purported recruitments nor undermining the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons NCCSALW’s operations.

Dr. Baba Mohammed, Nigerians may wish to know, hitherto served meritoriously in various capacities at both government and private organizations as well as international and multi national organisations and has severally been commended for his positive attitude to work and exemplary display of honesty and integrity.

His level of intelligence and determination are legendary and will definitely not condone any illegality as he has always warned staff against unlawful activities.

While warning further that he will not hesitate to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to bring the full wrath of the law against any NATFORCE staff found wanting, Dr Baba Muhammed enjoined relevant authorities to bring all unscrupulous elements masquerading and impersonating the force with all manner of perceived criminal activities to justice.

The benefits accruable to the country from Dr. Baba Mohammed’s dedication to duty are therefore very significant and indeed enormous and will no doubt strengthen the resolve of tackling the hydra-headed monster of insecurity in Nigeria, .

Nigerians are eagerly awaiting to hear a positive response from the two chambers empowered to make laws for the country i.e. the National Assembly, which will provide the needed legislative backing to properly define the responsibilities of the taskforce and set legal guidelines for its operations across the federation.

 

Timothy Steve wrote from Abuja