The National Taskforce to Combat Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition, Light and Chemical Weapons (NATFORCE) has appealed to the National Security Adviser, major General Babagana Mongonu rtd. to rescind its directive stopping the Operations of the group. The NSA had in a statement ordered an immediate shutdown of illegal security outfits like NATFORCE operating in the country warning against the use of such outfits to harass, intimidate and extort Nigerians. Reacting on the development, the Commander,Special Squad of NATFORCE, Aliyu Aminu – Wayas absolved the group of allegations raised by the office of the NSA,saying they had instead collaborated with other security agencies to help address the nation’s worsening security concerns. Thanking the National Assembly for the support received so far, the NATFORCE Commander said quick passage of the bill seeking to legalize its operations will change the narrative in the nation’s security architecture. On her part, Esther Clement, Assistant Commandant of NATFORCE, joined her boss to seek president Buhari’s nod for the activities of the group. NATFORCE was formed by the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) in 2013 to support efforts of the Federal government in fighting the proliferation of small arms, ammunition and light weapons in West Africa through a public- private partnership.
