Abstract:
The British penetration and conquest of hinterland Igbo in the first decade of the 20th century was a landmark in the people's history. Apart from the heavy transformation and distortion of major traditional values and heritage, the invaders masterminded the establishment of the infamous Native Authority System through the appointment of Anglophiles christened Warrant Chiefs. As the embodiment of the people’s political and judicial authority, the Warrant Chiefs adopted several measures to consolidate the newly acquired status, one of which was the use of militia gang. This study examines the traditional security mechanisms, organizations and operations of Ogwumili and Ogbuzuru Ikelionwu in the consolidation of colonialism in Igboland, which were created by Chief Onyeama of Eke and Chief Chukwuani of Ozalla respectively. The study explores the level of tolerance and acceptance accorded the militia by the British amidst the former's clandestine and inhuman activities. This made mockery of British advocacy and campaign for human right. Nevertheless, some element of the militia tactics and expertise should be incorporated into the nations armed forces especially on wars against insurgency
