Community policing: PSC moves to integrate vigilante

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has revealed plan to integrate Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) into the Community Policing Policy of the Nigeria Police Force.  

The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musliu Smith made this known in Abuja at a public lecture to mark the Vigilante Group of Nigeria 2019 week. 

The Chairman of PSC who was represented by AIG Felix Ogbaudu (rtd), described the activities of VGN as key to security agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in protecting lives and property of Nigerians across the country.  

He also commended the activities of Vigilante Group of Nigeria over the years in protecting lives and property at the grassroots. 

Speaking on the theme of the lecture ‘Community policing as a panacea to insecurity in Nigeria’, the Commandant General of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Dr. Usman Mohammed Jahun said members of his organisation had been effectively trained towards complimenting the efforts of the present administration on securing the people most especially in rural areas.  

Jahun, therefore, called for the support of all stakeholders towards overcoming the nation’s security challenges. 

Highlights of the public lecture was award presentation to Security experts,  traditional rulers, governors and media professionals among whom is a Controller News and Current Affairs with Radio Nigeria,  Mr Mathew Ayoola.  

Blueprint reports that the event was attended by security experts, traditional rulers, lawmakers and politicians. 

The public lecture was organised for stakeholders to brainstorm on how to ensure effective community policing and contributions of Vigilante Group of Nigeria in that direction.

The guest speaker, who is a retired Commissioner of Police, Dr. Olayinka Balogun, called for more synergy among all security agencies towards strengthening the nation’s apparatus.

In a remarks, Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, pledged to step up his support for VGN in the areas of logistics and incentives for the Group in view of its importance to the state. 

He also solicited more state governments support and collaboration for the organisation for improved security in the country.