Nigeria, Dec. 18 -- The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has acknowledged that it provides arms to trained vigilantes and other auxiliary forces as part of Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy. The acknowledgement was made following public controversy over security operations in Kwara State.

The clarification came amid recent reports and viral videos alleging that government authorities illegally equipped armed groups operating in Kwara, claims that have been denied by the Kwara State Government and security agencies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), an arm of ONSA, Abu Michael, said the support to vigilantes was lawful and aimed at assi...