By Sarah NEGEDU
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, has asked the Federal Government to formally incorporate it into the country’s security architecture, warning that the surge in terrorism and banditry requires a more community-driven response.
The group, while commending President Tinubu’s recent directive to strengthen national security, urged the government to match policy pronouncements with decisive legislative action by integrating the VGN into frontline operations.
A statement signed by the National Chairman and Commandant-General of VGN, Navy Capt. Umar Bakori (Rtd), stated that the organisation’s demand aligns with the President’s “approval of integrated and multifaceted security approach to combat insecurity in the Nation,” including his call for a review of existing security laws.
According to the VGN, the group has been a key community-level security asset since its establishment in 1999, with members already working across all 774 local government areas and several ungoverned spaces.
Bakori in the statement said, “We are hereby categorically and strongly of the position that Presidential Assent to the Bill of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and its inclusion in the security architecture would enhance community policing, provide localized security, and support the military and police in addressing terrorism and banditry.
“Let us further state that with our numerical strength of over 1.4 million already trained officers and men by the Nigeria Police, Army and DSS, we are prepared to contribute enormously to enhanced State and Community Policing as VGN’s presence would improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention.”
The VGN said its community-based structure gives it an edge in rapid response to threats and can ease operational pressure on conventional security agencies by handling localised risks before they escalate.
“VGN’s localized Security structures as Community-based security networks, gives our group the capacity and capability to respond quickly to security threats, Support for Security Agencies to alleviate pressure on the military and police, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.”
The organisation noted that the 9th National Assembly had already passed the bill establishing the VGN and called on the current 10th Assembly, state legislatures, and other political leaders to urgently back its full legal recognition.
It added that granting Presidential Assent to the bill would enable a more structured partnership with security agencies, including joint training, operational oversight, and access to essential equipment.
“In conclusion, the federal Government of Nigeria should formalize the VGN’s role in the security architecture with Presidential Assent to its Bill, providing necessary training with other security forces, equipment, and oversight to ensure effective collaboration with existing security agencies.”
The VGN urged stakeholders across all levels of government to support the move, saying the country “must work together to build a safer Nigeria.”
