Integrate vigilantes with security agencies, Arase urges FG

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, has called for the integration of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) into the nation’s security architecture. He equally promised to engage the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on the need to integrate the activities of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) […]

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, has called for the integration of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) into the nation’s security architecture.

He equally promised to engage the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on the need to integrate the activities of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Arase disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the National Vigilante Conference organized by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria with the theme, “Mobilizing VGN members for improved security in schools, farmlands and roads.”

He said, “Since the police do not have the numbers to dominate the security space, we rely on non-state actors and VGN is one of the veritable sources of non-state actors.

“The vigilantes are members of the community, they understand the environment better and therefore are the best people to police the community.

“We can now begin to see how we can incorporate your activities because you have the numerical strength.

“But one thing I want to beg you is, whatever you are doing in your local communities, don’t forget to carry the divisional police officers along, make sure you carry the area commanders along, and make sure you carry the commissioners of Police along,” he added.

In his remarks, the National Commander General of VGN, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (retd) said the theme of the conference is very pertinent given the importance of these areas in the economic life of the country.

He said, “The security of our schools is of paramount importance. Educational institutions serve as the foundation of our nation’s future, nurturing the minds and talents that will shape a prosperous Nigeria. Unfortunately, recent events have shown that schools have become vulnerable targets for criminal activities, endangering the lives and education of our children. It is our duty as vigilant citizens to create a safe and conducive environment for learning, where students can thrive without fear.”

The event had about 50,000 members in attendance.