Igbo National Council Urges Southeast Communities to Establish Vigilante Groups Amid Security Concerns

 

The Igbo National Council, a prominent group representing communities in Nigeria’s Southeast region, has called on all local communities to set up robust security networks to counter potential external threats.

The appeal comes in response to circulating rumours about the alleged influx of youths suspected to be jihadist militias into certain states in the Southeast, a development the INC described as a serious security concern that requires immediate and coordinated community action.

In a press statement issued from the office of its President, Godsent Chilos, the INC urged Igbo community leaders to convene security summits without delay to discuss and implement vigilante groups in their respective areas, in accordance with long-standing Igbo traditional norms that prioritize community safety and proactive protection measures.

The statement specifically targeted leaders of communities in Imo State, including Nekede, Ihiagwa, Naze, Agbala, and Ulakwo, among others. These communities were called upon to establish Joint Community Transport and Security Committees tasked with screening commercial motorcyclists operating within their neighborhoods.

According to the INC, these committees will ensure that all commercial motorcyclists, commonly referred to as okada riders, wear identifiable uniforms for easy recognition. The measure is intended to help residents and law enforcement track the movements of potential criminal elements who may exploit motorbikes as a cover to carry out unlawful activities.

The INC further encouraged the community taskforces to conduct periodic combing of suspected hideouts, maintain round-the-clock surveillance, and report any suspicious movements promptly. The council highlighted the importance of combining modern monitoring techniques with traditional community vigilance to enhance overall security.

In addition, the INC called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Imo State Director of the Department of State Services to immediately deploy tactical teams to areas identified as potential security hotspots. The council emphasized that cooperation between community vigilantes and official law enforcement is essential to deter criminal activity, prevent attacks, and safeguard lives and property.

The INC stressed that proactive, coordinated security measures will not only help protect residents but also foster a sense of communal responsibility and resilience in the face of emerging threats. Community leaders were urged to take immediate action, engage residents, and ensure that the measures are implemented efficiently to maintain peace and security across the Southeast region.