The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has officially deemed the recently unveiled Nomad vigilante group in Nasarawa State by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as illegal.
CP Shehu made this pronouncement during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Nasarawa State Council at the State Command Headquarters on Shenda Road in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday.
“The Nomad vigilante group is operating independently without any formal report to the police about their formation. I do not acknowledge their existence. No one informed the police about their establishment, and as such, we condemn the group,” stated the CP.
He reassured members of NUJ that the state command is fully committed to collaborating with practicing journalists for effective dissemination of information regarding police activities. He emphasized the importance of journalists verifying information with the appropriate authorities before publishing for public consumption.
Recent reports from News Express revealed that on January 17, 2024, the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, inaugurated over 1144 members into the Nomad vigilante group in Nasarawa State, sparking widespread concern and apprehension within the state and beyond.
Despite these developments, CP Shehu expressed dismay over recent incidents of violence in Toto Local Government Area, where several individuals were reportedly killed, and properties destroyed. He also addressed the escalating activities of kidnappers in certain parts of the state. He assured that the police command has initiated proactive measures to curb criminal activities, urging stakeholders to prioritize peace for meaningful development to thrive.
In an earlier statement, the Nasarawa State Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, commended CP Shehu for his tireless efforts in combating crime in the state. He urged security operatives to continue their diligent work and assured that journalists in the state would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of police operations aimed at safeguarding the citizenry.
