Nasarawa Police Crack Down on Ethnic Vigilante Groups Following Executive Order

The Nasarawa State Police Command has initiated a crackdown against various ethnic vigilante groups, including Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya Nomad vigilante group, following the recent Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 signed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

This order bans the existence and operation of all ethnic vigilantes in the state.

Governor Sule issued the executive order last Tuesday, prohibiting the activities of ethnic vigilantes such as the Fulani ethnic vigilante group known as Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya, the Bassa Vigilante group, and the Eggon Vigilante Group.

The order encompasses “any association, movement or group of persons or society in whatever name called or formed, with the aims and objectives of providing security amongst particular ethnic groups within Nasarawa State through the use of force or arms etc.”

In compliance with the executive order, the Nasarawa Police Command has seized operational uniforms and other items from members of the Nomad Vigilante group.

The items confiscated include 267 pairs of uniforms, 102 pieces of black belts, 189 pieces of infantry lanyards, 564 black berets, 339 pieces of black/10 white lanyards, and two identification cards.

The Commissioner of Police has urged those who have not yet complied with the Executive Order to do so within the two-week ultimatum, emphasizing the need for all ethnic security outfits to abide by the new directive.

The crackdown on these vigilante groups is a response to growing concerns over the proliferation of armed groups in the state, which has led to increased tensions and security challenges.

By implementing this executive order, Governor Sule aims to promote a more centralized and regulated approach to maintaining law and order in Nasarawa State.