Muntaka raises alarm over delays in prosecuting land guards

The Minister of Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has raised concerns about delays in the prosecution of suspected land guards, warning that prolonged court proceedings are frustrating security agencies' efforts to crack down on the growing menace.

Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Minister said that although law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations against land guard activities, slow-moving judicial processes continue to weaken the fight against the illegal groups.

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According to him, the police and other security agencies have intensified arrests and are working closely with the Attorney General’s Department to ensure prosecutions are pursued.

“We have intensified the arrest and prosecution of land guards, and we have been liaising with the Attorney General’s Office, except to admit that sometimes the court delays. You present land guards before the courts, and the delays sometimes weaken the security agencies in their efforts to prosecute. Many who have been seen even with a cutlass are being prosecuted for its use, and we have arrested some of the kingpins and presented them before the courts. But I don’t like to say we may have to create special courts for almost everything, but the way it is going, we may have to create special courts for land guards,” he said.

His comments highlight growing frustrations within government over the persistence of land guard activities despite years of security operations and legal reforms aimed at dealing with the problem.

In many parts of the country, particularly fast-developing urban and peri-urban communities, land guards continue to terrorise residents, developers, and landowners through intimidation, violent attacks, and unlawful occupation of disputed lands.

The issue has remained a major security concern, with victims often accusing the justice system of moving too slowly while suspects exploit delays in court proceedings.

The government, in recent years, has introduced tougher laws against land guard operations and increased collaboration between the police, prosecution authorities, and other security agencies. However, concerns remain over whether the current legal process is strong and swift enough to deter the activities of the groups.

NA/BAI

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