PRESS RELEASE

June 3, 2026

BAT-IG Calls for Decisive Action on Open Grazing, Community Documentation to Enhance Grassroots Security

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) has called on the Federal, state governments, lawmakers and traditional institutions to take more decisive steps toward ending the security challenges associated with uncontrolled open grazing and weak community documentation systems across Nigeria.

The group expressed concern over the continued movement of cattle through major roads, urban centres and densely populated areas despite the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which was created to modernise animal husbandry and promote more sustainable livestock management practices.

According to BAT-IG, the sight of herders moving cattle through major cities raises important questions about the future of livestock management in a modern nation seeking to strengthen security, improve urban planning and protect public infrastructure.

The group noted that for decades, nomadic movements across forests, villages and remote communities have enabled herders to acquire extensive knowledge of terrains that are often difficult for security agencies to access. While such knowledge in itself is not criminal, BAT-IG stressed that the government must pay greater attention to how intelligence is gathered and shared in vulnerable areas, particularly at a time when the nation continues to battle banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

BAT-IG therefore urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at regulating and documenting livestock movements across the country while ensuring that all activities are carried out within the framework of the law and constitutional rights.

The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval of forest guards as part of ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria's forests and ungoverned spaces. However, it maintained that the original concept of an "Anti-Bandit Battalion" as proposed in the President's manifesto reflected a more mission-oriented approach to confronting criminal elements operating in forests and rural communities.

According to BAT-IG, Nigeria's security challenges require specialised formations with clear mandates, strong training and the psychological readiness to confront bandits, kidnappers and terrorists wherever they operate.

The organisation further called for greater accountability in the utilisation of security votes by state governments. It argued that if some governors continue to insist that they are not constitutionally empowered to control security operations, then Nigerians deserve greater transparency regarding the management and deployment of security funds allocated to states.

BAT-IG also advocated a stronger role for traditional rulers in grassroots security management, noting that traditional institutions often possess valuable local intelligence, understand community dynamics and maintain close relationships with residents.

"Traditional rulers know their territories, understand unusual movements within their domains and often possess information that can significantly assist security agencies. They should be more effectively integrated into Nigeria's security architecture," the statement said.

The group further emphasised the importance of documentation and resident identification as tools for enhancing community security.

It cited recent reports from Ijoko, where the Baale reportedly directed the Seriki of the Arewa community to present members of his community for identification and stated that any new entrant into the area would be regarded as a stranger until properly identified.

According to BAT-IG, the development underscores a growing recognition among local communities that effective documentation is an essential component of modern security management.

"Documentation should not be viewed as persecution or discrimination. Every organised society maintains records of residents and visitors. Proper documentation enhances planning, strengthens security and promotes accountability," the statement noted.

The group therefore urged federal and state lawmakers to enact legislation that supports responsible identification and documentation processes while fully respecting the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of movement.

BAT-IG also encouraged state governments to pursue administrative reforms capable of bringing governance closer to the people. It pointed to President Tinubu's restructuring initiatives during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State as an example of how breaking down overly large administrative units can improve service delivery, security coordination and grassroots governance.

The group concluded by stressing that Nigeria's security challenges require bold leadership, innovative thinking and coordinated action at all levels of government.

"The time has come for practical solutions, stronger institutions, improved intelligence gathering, greater accountability and community participation in securing our nation.

The protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of government at every level," the statement added.

Signed:

Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi

Convener,

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG).