The Benue State Civil Protection Guard, a state security outfit, has arrested four individuals claiming to be members of the National Hunters and Forest Security Services, a group reportedly involved in combating Boko Haram and other insurgents in Maiduguri, Borno State. The suspects were apprehended in Aliade, the headquarters of Gwer Local Government Area, with the assistance of local vigilance group members.
The Arrest and Parading of Suspects
The suspects were paraded in Makurdi on Wednesday by the Commandant of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, Captain Ajovi Ajobi (Rtd.). According to Ajobi, the self-proclaimed hunters, who allegedly participated in counter-insurgency operations in the North East alongside conventional security forces, arrived in Benue State just two days before their arrest.
Two of the suspects, Hassan Abubakar and Mohammed Maiduguri, spoke to journalists in broken English, claiming they were part of a 28-member team brought from Nasarawa State by a Chinese construction company. They stated that their mission was to secure the company’s property and expressed shock at their arrest by the Civil Protection Guard.
The suspects alleged that the Chinese company had not informed them they would be taken to Benue State for work. They insisted that their original assignment was in Nasarawa State, where a notification letter had been sent to the Department of State Services (DSS).
Suspects’ Background and Claims
The suspects recounted their involvement in fighting Boko Haram in Maiduguri, which they claimed led to their deployment to Nasarawa State. They further explained that a Chinese company sought their expertise for security purposes but maintained that they had no knowledge of being brought to Benue State.
Joseph Har, the Security Adviser on Internal Affairs to Governor Hyacinth Alia, provided additional details about the arrest. He revealed that the initial arrest of the four suspects uncovered the presence of 24 others in Benue State, prompting a police manhunt to apprehend the remaining individuals.
Har noted that after verifying the suspects’ claims with relevant authorities, inconsistencies were found in their statements regarding their true identities. He emphasized that the suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation.
Items Recovered from the Suspects
During the arrest, security operatives recovered two pump-action guns and cartridges from the suspects. These items raised further suspicions about their intentions and activities in Benue State.
Implications of the Arrest
The arrest of the four suspects has raised concerns about the presence of unauthorized security personnel in Benue State. The involvement of a Chinese construction company adds another layer of complexity to the case, as questions arise about the company’s role in bringing the suspects to the state and the nature of their assignment.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by state security outfits in managing internal security, particularly in regions with ongoing conflicts or insurgencies. The Benue State Civil Protection Guard’s swift action in apprehending the suspects demonstrates its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
Public and Government Reactions
The arrest has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some commending the security outfit for its vigilance and others calling for a thorough investigation into the activities of the Chinese company and the suspects.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Benue State. The governor’s security adviser, Joseph Har, emphasized the importance of collaboration between state security agencies and local vigilance groups in addressing security challenges.
Broader Context: Security Challenges in Nigeria
The arrest of the suspects comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes. The involvement of groups like the National Hunters and Forest Security Services in counter-insurgency operations underscores the complex nature of Nigeria’s security landscape.
While such groups often play a complementary role to conventional security forces, their activities must be closely monitored to prevent abuses or unauthorized operations. The case of the four suspects in Benue State serves as a reminder of the need for robust oversight and coordination in the country’s security architecture.
Conclusion
The arrest of the four alleged fake hunters by the Benue State Civil Protection Guard highlights the ongoing efforts to address security threats in the state. As investigations continue, the case underscores the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and transparency in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
The involvement of a Chinese construction company adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the role of private entities in Nigeria’s security landscape. Moving forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and prevent similar incidents in the future.
