Terrorism: Commander lauds FG on new WAI structure

The New Lagos State Commander of the War Against Indiscipline WAI, Senior Comrade Taiwo Ogunjimi has stated that WAI Brigade contributes to the fight against terrorism through community policing and intelligence gathering.

Applauding the Federal Government, Ogunjimi pointed out that the recent publicity in the media about the WAI Brigade recognition was born out of the repackaged structure the administration underwent in the Brigade to ensure it soothes the democratic regime and conform with what the government wants to achieve.

“We appreciate the repackaged structure in the WAI Brigade, as we look forward to seeing more impacts from the government”, he said.

He disclosed this during an interview conducted at the one-day induction course organised by the WAI Brigade in Lagos.

According to him, “WAI Brigade is a voluntary organisation and we believe in discipline, committed to ensuring discipline while curbing crime in the society. To this end, we contribute our little efforts to stop terrorism in Nigeria. We help in the in the fight against terrorism through community policing and intelligence gathering. It is a community based organization, as such, such responsibilities are easy. We are make moves too, in as much as the police and others armed forces are doing their jobs too. We are always on alert, always keeping watch of any insecurity especially at the grassroot, and such acts are reported to the appropriate authorities. We have means of reaching out to the police as quick as possible. Our goal is to ensure that the society is safe for every Nigeria to live in, without fear.”

Speaking on President Buhari’s recent recognition of the Brigade, he noted that WAI Brigade was founded by the Buhari/Idiagbon military regime in the early 1980s, and has since been been recognized

However, he pointed out that the recent publicity in the media about the WAI Brigade recognition, was born out of the repackaged structure the administration underwent in the Brigade to ensure it soothes the democratic regime and conform with what the government wants to achieve. “We appreciate the repackaged structure in the WAI Brigade, as we look forward to seeing more impacts from the government.

“WAI Brigade came into being as a result of the lawlessness in the state in order to ensure discipline. I love the organization because of its concept of discipline and this was what compelled me to join after I finished my NYSC then. I also love to render voluntary services because I derive joy and fulfillment from doing that. Every member of the WAI Brigade is compelled to have a job before joining the Brigade since it’s a voluntary organization.

“WAI Brigade ensures discipline without arresting the erring citizens nor using guns. Discipline is carried gently with intelligence. We believe there various ways of killing a rat. We warn people first before meting out punishments. I however encourage Nigerians to be disciplined because Change begins with them.

The Assistant National Commander, South-West Zone, Senior Comrade Gabriel Adeoye who also spoke at the event, reiterated, “I was the Lagos State Commander, and when I was there, we acquired a new office, got two operational vehincles, organized trainings, acquisition of uniforms, departmental heads also organized trainings. We did a lot. He was my assistant then when I was in that position and he knew all what we did. I expect the new Lagos Commander to do much more. My advice to him is to ask for advice when and where necessary so he shouldn’t work alone.”