Director General of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerian communities to take up self-defense as the first line of defense against attacks. Speaking at a high-profile security gathering, Ajayi urged communities to seek guidance and take necessary actions to protect themselves.

Ajayi emphasized that community leaders must rise to the occasion and support their communities with guidance. He cited his own community in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where they have organized themselves into four quarters with his guidance.

Ajayi’s call to action comes amidst growing concerns over attacks by Fulani herdsmen on innocent communities. He stressed that it is not enough to lament on social media about these attacks, emphasizing that communities must take action to defend themselves. “They will not stop until all indigenous communities arm themselves,” Ajayi warned.

The DSS Director General noted that Fulani herdsmen have the upper hand in these attacks because they carry guns, while community youths are often left to defend themselves with cutlasses. Ajayi’s comments have been interpreted as an invitation for communities to arm themselves as a first line of defense.

Ajayi’s call to action has sparked concerns about the potential escalation of violence. However, he emphasized that community defense is essential, citing past cases where local communities successfully repelled attacks without waiting for security forces.