The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee has introduced a Code of Conduct barring members of the vigilante groups operating in the various communities in the territory from using prohibited firearms.
The Director of Information and Communication, FCT, Mr Muhammad Sule, disclosed this in a statement, yesterday, in Abuja.
Sule explained that in the newly established Code of Conduct for the group, the security committee also prohibited them from carrying out any operation without the presence of the police or the express approval of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in their jurisdiction.
However, members of the vigilante were permitted to possess and use weapons for self-defence or other lawful purposes as allowed by the DPO.
“These were some of the decisions reached by the FCT Security Committee at its 11th meeting, presided over by the Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello, in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja.”
“Similarly, the new code required that any member of the group, who recovers a hazardous weapon from a criminal suspect is expected to keep a detailed account and report to the police for further investigation.”
He also revealed that the committee permitted the vigilante group to arrest anyone who violated the laws of the land as allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
“It agreed that any community desirous of establishing a vigilante group should apply and obtain the approval of the DPO within the locality.
“On the recruitment of members of the group, the FCT Security Committee, which is the highest decision-making body on security matters, resolved that the process must be supervised by the Community Accountability Forum (CAF)/Security Committee of the community concerned.
“The CAF is to ensure a fair representation of all segments of society and avoid religious, political, and ethnic persuasion.”
Meanwhile, the director said that the meeting also agreed that all those to be recruited must be properly profiled by the community leaders and security agencies.
He said that the FCT Administration encouraged communities to form vigilante groups to complement the work of security agencies, especially in gathering intelligence and boosting the fight against criminals.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, has cautioned foreign countries over terror alert in Nigeria.
Usman said foreign countries should stop informing the public about terror alerts.
The police boss said the recent terror alert should have been given to the police and not the public.
The United States and United Kingdom governments released a security alert.
In a travel advisory, they urged their citizens to stay away from Abuja due to the planned terrorists’ attacks.
They also urged their citizens to vacate Abuja until the terror alert is dealt with.
However, the IGP assured the general public of their safety.
The IGP spoke while inaugurating a police station and barracks in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said, “How can you enter the country and said there is security alert, you didn’t inform the police, and you go around telling your people; don’t go to Abuja, return from Abuja.
“When you have information on security, it is proper to inform the police and we will find a way to tackle it, instead of taking it to the public.
“We are working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure the safety of residents.”