Benin: The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Edo Chapter, on Friday inaugurated a new command in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, with strong warnings against misconduct and abuse of power.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move reflects the growing reliance on community-based security structures across Nigeria.
The newly established St. Saviour Command, formed part of the broader efforts to strengthen grassroots security architecture.
Addressing officers at the inauguration, Assistant Group Commandant, Sunday Aigbokie, underscored the critical but limited role of vigilante operatives.
He stressed that discipline and professionalism would determine their effectiveness and longevity in service.
He also emphasised that vigilantes were not a parallel force but support system to formal security agencies.
“This inauguration is to formally bring the St. Saviour Command into operation and to sensitise members on the dos and don’ts of the job.
“You must understand what to do, act appropriately at all times, and distinguish clearly between right and wrong,” Aigbokie said.
Highlighting the national security context, he noted that the increasing burden on the police and other security agencies had made community support indispensable, but warned that such responsibility must not be abused.
“The duty of the VGN is clearly defined to assist the police in crime fighting, crowd control and related operations.
“Any operative who runs foul of the law will face disciplinary measures, including demotion, dismissal or prosecution, depending on the severity,” he said.
Reinforcing the need for accountability, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of St. Saviour Division, CSP Afam Udoka, described the relationship between the police and vigilantes as a strategic partnership, but cautioned against any form of misconduct that could undermine public trust.
“You must live above board. It will be unfortunate for law enforcement to arrest those who are meant to assist in arresting criminals.
“There have been cases where operatives compromise their integrity by taking valuables from suspects, such actions will not be tolerated,” Udoka said.
The DPO urged the operatives to always hand over suspects to the police and avoid any actions that could implicate them.
Also speaking, Provost of the VGN in the state, Williams Osemwegie, warned that criminal elements could attempt to infiltrate or compromise the group, and urged members to remain vigilant and uphold the integrity of the corps.
“Criminals will always look for ways to weaken you so they can operate freely. You must not lose guard,” he said.
Osemwegie disclosed that members of the new command would undergo a three-week training programme, after which successful participants would be certified.(
