02/10/2025
By Solomon Azu
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has called on the Cross River State government to integrate its members into the community policing initiative of government in order to fight insecurity in the country.
The State Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Cross River State Command, Dr Bassey Moses Ogar made the call during the celebration of Nigeria's 65th Independence anniversary in Calabar Wednesday said thousands of its members across the state operate and reside within their communities.
He said as a community-based security organization that collaborates with official law enforcement agencies to provide security and combat crime at the grassroots level in Nigeria, the VGN has been serving as a vital intelligence backbone to the police, acting as a first line of defense, providing local knowledge and acting in partnership with security services like the Nigeria Police Force, Customs, and immigration agencies.
"The VGN provides crucial local intelligence by knowing the terrain and criminal hiding places, acting as the first line of defense in all the communities.
"Our operatives and officers are recruited from their local communities, giving them a unique understanding of the local culture, language, and topography, which is invaluable for policing efforts.
Dr Ogar said the Vigilante Group which has its presence in every ward, local government area and Calabar, the state capital are passionate about the security state in Cross River, noting that some members have paid the supreme price in the cause of securing their localities despite not being paid by the government.
“Therefore, we can serve as an important component of the state government proposed community policing. Our members are in every nook and cranny of border towns and villages.
“Initially, our primary duties was to assist the police, but today, we have extended our security services and surveillance to Customs Service, Immigration Service, NDLEA and the military,” he said.
The State Commandant said the VGN has been working with other security agencies to secure critical national assets and infrastructure in the state, maintain national integrity and preventing attacks that could compromise security.
"Over the years, we have intercepted criminals and vandals near vulnerable areas across the state, monitoring youth gatherings, collaborating with traditional rulers and community leaders to report suspicious activity, and patrolling roads and highways.
The Commandant appealed to Governor Otu to consider the capacity of the group to work with other security agencies in the local security and intelligence networking not only in Cross River, but in Nigeria in general.
Government organization
