HomeNEWSPATRIOTISMLEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZEN...

LEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THEIR SECURITY

LEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THEIR SECURITY

Nigeria’s legal framework recognizes that security is a shared responsibility between the government and the people. Various laws encourage and, in some cases, mandate citizen participation in security efforts. Below is an outline of some of the relevant laws:

1. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended): By Section 24(e), It shall be the duty of every citizen to render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintaining peace and security.

2. The Penal Code Act (Applicable to Northern Nigeria: By Section 83 thereof, a private person may arrest an offender and hand them over to law enforcement agencies. By Section 197, it is an offence to obstruct a person acting lawfully to prevent a crime, thereby encouraging community collaboration in security.

3. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2025 by Section 1 thereof states that purpose of ACJA includes promoting community involvement in crime prevention and justice administration. Section 20 encourages private citizens to arrest individuals committing offenses in their presence. Section 23 encourages cooperation between citizens and security agencies in enforcement of laws.

4. The Nigerian Police Act, 2020 by Section 4(e) encourage citizen collaboration with the police through community policing strategies. Section 98 recognizes the role of special constables, who are community members enlisted to assist the police in maintaining law and order. Section 100 mandates the Inspector General of Police to ensure citizens actively participate in security initiatives.

5. The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 – by Section 12 Imposes a duty on individuals to report suspicious activities related to terrorism. Section 37 encourages community members to support counter-terrorism efforts through intelligence sharing.

6. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act, 2003 (As Amended)- by Section 3(1)(a): mandates the NSCDC to collaborates with local communities to prevent and combat crime. Section 14 recognizes the role of private security organizations and local vigilante groups in assisting law enforcement.

7. The Armed Forces Act, 2004 – by Section 217(2)(c) authorizes the military to intervene in security matters when necessary, often requiring local intelligence and cooperation from citizens.
From the various laws that enable citizen participation in security, it is evident that community members possess the local knowledge necessary for effective crime prevention. Security and social order are fundamental responsibilities of every citizen, as recognized by Nigerian laws. From the Constitution which mandates citizens to assist in maintaining law and order, to the Nigeria Police Act which promotes community policing, our legal framework affirms that security is a shared duty between the government and the people.
However, despite these legal provisions, our communities have become increasingly vulnerable due to deep social divisions, moral decay, and the infiltration of crime into leadership structures. Instead of being united in securing our communities, we now live in society polarized by clannish affiliations, political bitterness, and lack of trust. Suspicion has replaced cooperation, and the very people who should lead community security efforts are sometimes the same individuals enabling crime.
These laws make it clear that citizens are not beneficiaries of security, they are stakeholders in it. However, without unity, moral reorientation and community-led restructuring, these laws cannot be effectively implemented.
Recognizing these challenges, Ayatutu Lawyers Forum (ALF) Worldwide, in partnership with Communities Synergy for Grassroots Transformation Initiative (CSGTI), has taken proactive steps to restructure our communities and return security to the hands of responsible law-abiding citizens. This initiative aims at restoring trust and unity, empowering the right leadership, strengthening community-based security, reviving moral and civic values and engaging the youth positively.
Laws alone cannot secure our communities – only the active participation of citizens can. If we, as law abiding members of the society fail to take charge, we risk leaving our society in the hands of those who exploit security structures for personal gain.
The team spirit that once defined our communities must be reactivated. Security is a collective fight, and every individual, regardless of status or background, has a role to play. By restructuring our society, we can create safe, stable and prosperous communities.
The time to act is now. Let us rise to this responsibility and reclaim our society from the forces of division and lawlessness. It is possible

- A word from our sponsors -

Most Popular

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

- A word from our sponsors -

Read Now

An Outstanding First Class Student Of the Federal University of Wukari, Sule Nelson Igoche. @nelsonnelson.nelson.399

An Outstanding First Class Student Of the Federal University of Wukari, Sule Nelson Igoche. @nelsonnelson.nelson.399 We are super excited to celebrate Sule Nelson Igoche, the outstanding student who has graduated with a first-class degree in Soil Science from the Federal University Wukari for the 2023/2024 academic session. Sule's academic...

BREAKING: Adamawa Govt Strips Atiku Abubakar Of Waziri Adamawa Title, Others 

BREAKING: Adamawa Govt Strips Atiku Abubakar Of Waziri Adamawa Title, Others The Waziri Adamawa is the second highest in authority after the paramount ruler, the Lamido of Adamawa.   In a stunning political and traditional shake-up, the Adamawa State Government has officially stripped Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of...

COMRADE. ABU ELIJAH ADEGAHI BAGS TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD AT THE WELCOME PARTY ORGANIZED BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGATU STUDENT FATHER MOSES ADASU UNIVERSITY. 

COMRADE. ABU ELIJAH ADEGAHI BAGS TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD AT THE WELCOME PARTY ORGANIZED BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGATU STUDENT FATHER MOSES ADASU UNIVERSITY.   On July 6, 2025, a momentous occasion unfolded at Father Moses Adasu University, where Comrade Abu Elijah Adegahi an illustrious son of Agatu was honored...

A TRIBUTE TO HON. MRS LAMI AN ICON OF DEPUTY LEADER, BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY by HON. OCHEGA OGWOLA

*A TRIBUTE TO HON. MRS LAMI AN ICON OF DEPUTY LEADER, BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY by HON. OCHEGA OGWOLA   On behalf of the good people of Apa Local Government Area, and with utmost respect and admiration, I, Comr. Adam Ochega Ogwola, Chairman of Apa LGA, join millions...

Breaking: BREAKING: Coalition: Court Asked To Sack Senator Mark-Led Interim Leadership Of ADC

Breaking: BREAKING: Coalition: Court Asked To Sack Senator Mark-Led Interim Leadership Of ADC   Three aggrieved members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to sack the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership of the party.   The plaintiffs- Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor...

Abuja-based Benue politicians politicizing Anti Open grazing Law, group alleges

Abuja-based Benue politicians politicizing Anti Open grazing Law, group alleges Benue Intelligence Watch has blasted the Benue Advocacy Network over a statement credited to its president, Mr. Enoch Ortese that the governor of the State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia had abandoned the existing Anti Open Grazing Law which...

Political War: ” Be Constructive for once” Hon. Dr. Francis Ottah Advises Senator Abba Moro

Political War: " Be Constructive for once" Hon. Dr. Francis Ottah Advises Senator Abba Moro Concerns Over Personal Attacks and Misrepresentation in Political Discourse. In a spirited rebuttal to recent comments made by Mr. Emmanuel Eche'Ofun John, media adviser to Senator Abba Patrick Moro, the media team of Hon....

DAVID MARK: A Testament to Integrity, Influence, and the Promise of a New Nigeria, by comrade Echono Maigida

DAVID MARK: A Testament to Integrity, Influence, and the Promise of a New Nigeria.   Sometimes, a nation gets to a turning point when good men decide enough is enough. When people of integrity and deep values step forward, not for fame or power, but because they genuinely want...

War ends as Alia, Dajoh, Ikpwambese reconcile, restore peace in benue

War ends as Alia, Dajoh, Ikpwambese reconcile, restore peace in benue   The political war among the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary Arms of Benue State Government seems to have come to an end as the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu...

Hon. Yusuf Elaigwu Suleiman profile 

Hon. Yusuf Elaigwu Suleiman profile Hon. Yusuf Suleiman is a dedicated public servant and community leader from Benue State, Nigeria. He was born into the family of the late Mr. Sunday Eche Elaigwu and Mrs. Onyemowo Sunday Elaigwu, and is one of the sons of the former OCHE...

BENEFITS OF HONEY TO THE BODY.

*BENEFITS OF HONEY TO THE BODY.*   Honey offers various benefits due to its rich composition of antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients. It's known for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties,ability to soothe coughs,and potential to improve heart health and blood sugar regulation.   It can also be a healthier alternative to refined...

Benue Community Rejects Substandard Borehole Project by lawmaker.

Benue Community Rejects Substandard Borehole Project by lawmaker.   In a significant turn of events, the Auke community in Apa Local Government has officially rejected a borehole project initiated by Honorable Ojotu Ojema, the representative for the Apa-Agatu federal constituency in the 10th, Assembly. Hon. Pastor. Ojotu Ojema. This...
Enable Notifications Yes No thanks