Igbo National Council urges Southeast communities to establish strong security networks and vigilante groups amid rumours of external threats

The Igbo National Council (INC) has called on communities in the Southeast to establish robust security networks to counter potential external threats.

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In a press statement, the INC said the appeal was prompted by circulating rumours suggesting an influx of youths suspected to be jihadist militias into certain Southeast states.

The council, led by President Godsent Chilos, urged community leaders to convene security summits and form vigilante groups, in line with traditional Igbo practices of self-protection.

Specific attention was drawn to communities in Imo State, including Nekede, Ihiagwa, Naze, Agbala, and Ulakwo.

The INC recommended the creation of Joint Community Transport and Security Committees to monitor and screen commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) operating in these areas.

The committees are expected to ensure that all okada riders wear identifiable uniforms to make it easier to track potential criminal activities.

The INC also encouraged the groups to conduct regular patrols, maintain 24-hour surveillance, and comb suspected hideouts to monitor suspicious movements.

The council further called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the DSS to deploy tactical teams to suspected hotspots to support community security efforts.

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The INC’s directive reflects heightened concerns over security in the region and emphasises community-driven vigilance as a complementary approach to official law enforcement.