Abia State police commissioner declares Biafra Security Service an illegal organisation

NIGERIA police force officials have declared the recently-formed Biafra Security Service (BSS) an illegal paramilitary organisation and have called on those behind it to disband the group because it is unconstitutional.

Last week, secessionist campaign group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) created the BSS and although not armed, the body has been holding parades and marches. Yesterday, the Abia State police commissioner Adeleye Oyebade, warned those behind the formation of the security network he described as unlawful and illegal, to retrace their steps.

He stressed that the Nigerian constitution recognises only the Nigerian Police, Nigerian armed forces and the Department of States Security, adding that any other group claiming to be providing security without approval was illegal. He pointed out that the full weight of the law would be brought against the organisers of the said BSS, who he noted were displaying videos on their social media network.

Mr Oyebade, who stated that the police and other security operatives in the state would never fold their hands and watch unscrupulous elements to disrupt the relative peace in Abia State, reiterated that they would make the state safe for business and for economic activities to thrive. He also used the opportunity to parade suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists amongst others, who he said were still being investigated and would soon be arraigned in court for trial.