By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on the Federal Government to liberalise access to basic self-defence weapons for citizens amid growing insecurity, while alleging intimidation by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the group said citizens facing persistent attacks should be granted lawful and affordable access to simple defensive tools under a regulated system.
The call comes against the backdrop of rising killings and banditry in parts of the Middle Belt region.
The forum also accused the Nasarawa State Director of the DSS, Hassan Abdullahi, of harassment and intimidation, particularly in relation to a House of Representatives aspirant, Terry Tsala.
According to the MBF, Tsala—who is seeking to represent the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency—was allegedly arrested on the directive of Abdullahi over claims that he attempted to procure five hunting rifles, an allegation the politician has denied.
The group maintained that Tsala only sought to acquire a locally made hunting gun from a licensed manufacturer, noting that such practices are common in communities grappling with insecurity across the Middle Belt.
Despite his denial, the forum alleged that Tsala has been repeatedly summoned to DSS offices in Lafia and pressured to admit to the claims.
Citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, the MBF argued that citizens are entitled to take reasonable steps to defend themselves.
“It is contradictory to encourage citizens to act as the first line of defence while arresting them for seeking lawful means of protection,” the statement said, referencing remarks attributed to the DSS Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The forum described the alleged actions of the DSS as part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at discouraging vulnerable communities from defending themselves despite ongoing attacks.
It further claimed that Nasarawa State has become a staging ground for attacks on neighbouring states, including Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kogi and parts of Kaduna, leaving many communities vulnerable.
The MBF also criticised security agencies for allegedly disarming local populations even after repelling attacks, while perpetrators remain at large.
Calling for urgent government intervention, the group urged authorities to establish a supervised framework for the mass production and lawful distribution of basic self-defence tools at affordable costs.
It also expressed willingness to cooperate with the United States and other international stakeholders by providing information on individuals allegedly linked to violence in the region.
The forum further called on U.S. authorities to scrutinise the conduct of public officials, including Abdullahi, noting that the DSS had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
The MBF warned that it would hold the DSS official accountable should any harm come to Tsala.
