By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja-
The National Task Force on Importation of Illegal Arms Ammunition, Light Weapons and Chemicals NATFORCE has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their local intelligence gathering towards assisting security agencies in tackling current security challenges in the country.
The National Commander Special Squad of NATFORCE, Mr Aliyu Aminu-Wayas, who gave the advice while speaking with news men in Abuja, said the spate of kidnappings, banditry, attacks and killings of security personnel as well as destruction of government facilities have become a great concern to the citizens.
Mr Aminu-Wayas maintained that if traditional rulers use their well established local institutions to gather information about criminals in their domains, it would be easier for security agencies to arrest them .
According to him, activities of these hoodlums had dented the image of the country and discouraged foreign investors.
He lamented that the spate of insecurity could not also allow local farmers to engage in Agricultural activities which he said potends danger to the socio economic development of the country.
The NATFORCE Commander, however, appealed to the National Assembly to give constitutional powers to the traditional rulers in the on going constitutional amendment for them to have firm grip of security situation at the community levels.
He further stressed the need for the Federal lawmakers to expedite action on the NATFORCE Bill which has passed second reading at the Senate.
He commended the support the NATFORCE had been receiving from the Inspector General of Police Special Tactical Squad in recent times and promised to work with other relevant agencies in providing a water tight security for the citizenry.
The NATFORCE Commander pledged the organisation’s committement to combat the influx of illegal arms and dangerous weapons into the county.
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