The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting places of worship and vulnerable communities across the country. Chairman and Commander-General of the VGN, Otumba Udoma, made this commitment during the inauguration of the organisation's new Chaplaincy Department and the official decoration of its members in Abuja. Udoma emphasized that grassroots security relies on early intervention and proactive surveillance.
According to Udoma, swift alerts can prevent major tragedies at places of worship. He cited an example of a volunteer standing at a workshop centre gate, trained to recognize community members and notice unfamiliar faces. The volunteer can then record and report suspicious individuals, making a crucial call that can be the difference between a peaceful morning and a tragic one.
Udoma recalled past security breaches in various parts of Nigeria, attributing them to missed early warnings and fractured links between communities and state security architectures. He noted that these lapses resulted in avoidable losses. The Commander-General explained that the newly established Chaplaincy Department is a special national project aimed at protecting worshippers of all faiths across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The VGN operates within the bounds of community policing, complementing rather than replacing statutory law enforcement agencies. Udoma clarified that the group's method involves watching, warning, and protecting, and then handing over suspects to statutory agencies. He emphasized that the group carries no weapons and replaces no agencies, with a focus on collaboration with state authorities.
Udoma addressed the newly inducted chaplaincy personnel, charging them to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, adhering to a strict national code of conduct, and maintaining absolute neutrality towards all religious groups. He stressed that their role is to serve as the nation's first line of vigilance at places of worship, working to a national standard and code of conduct.
The VGN boss called for robust collaboration between security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as faith-based organisations and the government. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to resource and strengthen grassroots security architectures.
The inauguration and decoration ceremony marked a significant milestone for the VGN, as the group seeks to enhance its role in community security. With its renewed commitment to safeguarding places of worship and vulnerable communities, the VGN aims to contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.
Key points
- Vigilante Group of Nigeria pledges heightened intelligence gathering and community-led vigilance.
- New Chaplaincy Department established to protect worshippers across 36 states and FCT.
- VGN seeks collaboration with security agencies and faith-based organisations to strengthen grassroots security.
