Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
FG declares NATFORCE illegal, orders group to disband
Federal Government has declared the National Task Force on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition, Light Weapons, Chemical, and Pipeline Vandalism (also called NATFORCE) as illegal.
Announcing the decision at the National Security Executive Council (NSC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja, Thursday, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola also said the council has asked the body to disband itself or face the wrath of the Federal Government.
The upper legislative chambers had in June passed into law the bill establishing the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, with NATFORCE as one of its critical components.
The lower chamber, the House of Representatives, is yet to pass its version upon its resumption from recess.
Aregbesola who said the council received reports from all service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police, said it is “very satisfied” with the performance of all security agencies and that the country is moving to the phase of consolidated security.
He said the council also commended the police for its performance in Ekiti, Osun, and Anambra states; where governorship elections were conducted recently.
However, he expressed concern over the remaining passengers kidnapped in the March 28 attack on a Kaduna-bound train; saying no effort will be spared to rescue them alive.
