Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, for establishing a vigilante group in Nasarawa State.
Bodejo’s arrest took place at the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office on Tuesday, located at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market, Kilometre 22, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Tundun-Wada, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
DSS operatives, accompanied by soldiers from the Nigerian Army, reportedly raided the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office around 3:40 pm on Tuesday, swiftly arresting Bodejo as they departed the premises.
According to a DSS source, the arrest was prompted by concerns that the Nomad’s Vigilante Group, initiated by Bodejo, could incite violence nationwide.
Truth Live News gathered that the vigilante group lacked registration with the DSS, police, or any security agency, rendering it unrecognized by the Federal Government.
The DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, remained unresponsive to inquiries regarding the arrest.
In response to the arrest, Bodejo, at the inauguration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, had previously asserted that the volunteer vigilantes would strictly adhere to existing laws during their operations.
He urged collaboration between the vigilantes and established security forces, including the Police, Army, and other agencies, to ensure a comprehensive security approach across Nasarawa’s 13 local councils.
The unfolding situation underscores the potential clash between grassroots initiatives and government-recognized security measures, raising questions about the role and recognition of such vigilante groups in maintaining public safety.