Metro
If government is failing to protect you, defend yourself – Alex Barbir insists
A US-based humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, has denied allegations that his activities and public statements have fueled violence in Nigeria, insisting that his advocacy is focused on protecting vulnerable communities and supporting reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Barbir made the remarks during an interview on TVC News, where he addressed concerns about his influence in Plateau and Benue states, as well as broader accusations surrounding his presence in the country.
Born on August 17, 1997, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Barbir grew up in Cumming alongside his brother, Josh, a physician and US Army Reserve officer. His upbringing, he noted, was shaped by discipline and sports, a background he says informs his humanitarian approach.
His work in Nigeria is closely linked to two organisations, his initiative, Building Zion, and Equipping the Persecuted (ETP), a US-based NGO led by filmmaker Judd Saul. Through these platforms, Barbir has participated in rebuilding communities affected by violence, particularly in Benue State, including the construction of homes, schools, and places of worship.
Responding to claims that his rhetoric may have incited violence, Barbir firmly rejected the accusations, maintaining that he has never encouraged attacks or reprisals.
“I have never once called for anybody to be murdered. I have called for people to be protected,” he said.
He argued that his consistent message has been for authorities to improve security while allowing individuals to defend themselves when under threat.
Barbir also dismissed reports connecting his visit to Plateau State with a reprisal attack that left two people dead, stating that the killings occurred before he arrived.
“They had killed two people before I arrived. So it’s a false narrative to say my presence caused that,” he said.
He described the violence in the region as longstanding, noting that cycles of attack and retaliation predate his involvement.
While acknowledging criticism of his stance, Barbir defended calls for self-protection in areas facing persistent insecurity, arguing that such a position is both reasonable and necessary.
“If the government is failing to protect you, you should protect yourselves from people who would take your life. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he stated.
He stressed that violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims, and said his advocacy does not exclude any group.
Barbir also rejected allegations that he is advancing foreign interests or political agendas, challenging critics to provide evidence. He said his funding comes from charitable donations, churches, and organisations that support humanitarian causes.
Despite the controversy, Barbir confirmed plans to return to Nigeria to continue reconstruction projects, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, maintaining that his mission is rooted in peacebuilding and support for communities affected by violence.
A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, the insurgent, identified as Bakaka Bukar, surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mairari at about 6:00 p.m. on June 1.
Zagazola stated that the surrendered fighter handed over one AK-47 rifle and expressed his willingness to renounce insurgency and embrace peaceful coexistence with society.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that Bukar escaped from the Arinna Maimasalaci enclave, an ISWAP stronghold reportedly under the leadership of a terrorist commander identified as Abu Salim.
The security expert noted that the surrender was part of the ongoing successes being recorded through sustained counter-insurgency operations and increasing pressure on terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
According to him, following initial screening and documentation, the former insurgent was transported by military authorities to the Bulunkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri for participation in the Federal Government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
“The recent military offensives, combined with sustained air and ground operations, have continued to weaken terrorist networks and encourage defections among insurgent ranks.
“The security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain high morale and operational effectiveness in ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region,” he said.
Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested 11 youths suspected to be part of a gang of youths notorious for robberies, especially around the state capital, Yola.
The Command said on Wednesday that the arrest was effected on May 31, 2026, by operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) working with other tactical units under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the coordinated raid targeted criminal hideouts within Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas.
The suspects arrested include Aliyu Idris, 18 years old; Mukhtar Abubakar, 28; Amir Dan Asabe, 23; Joel Timothy, 23; Isaac Isah, 26; Hassan Salisu,19; Nyon Ayuba, 32; Saidu Musa, 22; Adamu Yau, 20; Adamu Muhammed, 36; and Nasiru Bala, 20.
“Police investigations linked the suspects to acts of gangsterism, violent attacks, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons, as well as the consumption and distribution of illicit drugs,” Nguroje explained.
He listed items recovered during the operation as knives, daggers, machetes, and cutlasses, all allegedly used in carrying out crime.
Four terrorists convicted for the June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, have been sentenced to death by hanging.
An Abuja Federal High Court presided by Justice Emeka Nwite delivered judgment in the case on Wednesday.
Forty-three worshipers were killed in the attack.
The four convict that will die by hanging are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25, Al Qasim Idris, 20, Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26, and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.
A fifth accused person, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted.
Justice Emeka Nwite pronounced the four terrorists guilty on the entire nine counts of the charge and ordered that they be hanged until they are dead.
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