Katsina vigilante trained to carry pump action, not AK 47 – Presidency
The Nigerian Government has debunked the claim that state-backed vigilante in Katsina bear AK-47 rifles. Garba Shehu, special assistant on media to President Muhammadu Buhari, clarified in his statement issued Tuesday.
Shehu was responding to Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who recently chided the federal government for operating double standards by approving arms bearing for Katsina vigilante while blocking Ondo from doing the same.
“The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits,” Shehu’s statement reads.
“Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.
“Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.
“In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period …“in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles”.
He said the decision by no means approves the vigilantes to take over police functions, but to assist them.
In addition, the presidency said that it “appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters. As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities”.
President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted as saying he has received reports “of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism” by operatives of state security outfits.
“He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels”, the presidency said, adding that leaders at various levels should “exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season”.
