…Accuses DSS of ‘intimidation.’
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to liberalize access to basic self-defence weapons for citizens, even as it accused the Nasarawa State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Hassan Abdullahi, of intimidation and harassment.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum said citizens facing persistent attacks should be allowed lawful and affordable access to simple defensive tools under a regulated system.
The group’s position comes amid allegations that DSS operatives in Nasarawa State are targeting a House of Representatives aspirant, Terry Tsala, over what it described as a “harmless effort” to protect himself.
Hon. Tsala, who is contesting to represent the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, was allegedly arrested on the orders of Abdullahi and accused of attempting to procure five hunting rifles – an allegation he has firmly denied.
According to the MBF, the politician had only sought to acquire a locally-made hunting gun from a licensed manufacturer – a practice it said is common among residents of insecure communities in the Middle-Belt.
Despite his denial, the forum claimed Tsala has been repeatedly summoned to the DSS office in Lafia and pressured to admit to the allegation.
The MBF argued that hunting guns are not illegal when properly obtained, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and allows citizens 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 averred, referencing remarks by the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The forum described the DSS action as part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at discouraging vulnerable communities from defending themselves, despite ongoing attacks.
It further alleged 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 exposed.
The MBF also criticized security agencies for allegedly disarming local populations – even after they repel attacks – while perpetrators remain free.
Calling for urgent government action, the group urged authorities to establish a supervised system that would enable the mass production and lawful distribution of basic self-defence tools at affordable cost.
The forum also said it was willing to cooperate with the United States and other international stakeholders by providing information on individuals allegedly involved in violence in the Middle-Belt.
It called on the U.S. to scrutinize the conduct of public officials, including Abdullahi, lamenting that DSS had not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
MBF warned that it would hold Abdullahi responsible, if any harm befalls on Tsala.