Solomon Arase, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has voiced concerns over the limited numerical capacity of the police and other security agencies to effectively maintain control over the nation’s security landscape.
He shared this perspective while addressing journalists during the Vigilante Group of Nigeria’s national conference, which had the theme “Mobilising VGN Members for Improved Security in Schools, Farmlands, and Roads“ in Abuja on Tuesday.
Arase, who previously served as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), underscored the critical need to establish a comprehensive strategy for efficient collaboration with volunteer groups. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, extending to journalists as well.
“When criminals want to commit a crime, they will go on surveillance and if you see the vigilante, either in the community or on the highway, it is already a deterrent.
“All we have to do is to harness their numeric strength, their spread and leadership to deal with issues of insecurity,” he said.
Navy Commander Umar Bakori (retired), the Commander-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), also addressed the conference and urged for the passage of the bill that would formally establish the VGN.
He added that “mobilizing our vigilant members will help create a strong presence of security and deter potential threats, thus fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and social harmony.”
