Give Us More Recognition: Vigilante Group of Nigeria Tells FG

An appeal has gone to the Federal Government to sign into law the proposed bill to uplift the status of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) to become a recognised security outfit in the country.

The appeal was made by the South West Zonal Commander of VGN, Chief Olusoji Sodiyan during a security summit put together by the Zonal Command in Ibadan.

Chief Sodiyan, while enumerating the activities of the group, disclosed that they have been of tremendous support to the government’s security agencies in apprehending criminals.

He however, stated that their inability to use sophisticated equipment is a major impediment to discharging their duties effectively.

The state commander of the Oyo State command of VGN, Comrade Sunday Olajide (JP), in his remarks, called on the Government of Oyo State to engage and support his group in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.

Olajide hinted that his members were behind the numerous arrest of criminals during the security summits where notable Nigerians that have assisted the VGN were given awards of recognition.

He stated that insecurity will be reduced drastically if the government engage and support the VGN in the fight against insecurity.

Commander Olajide noted that the group would be helpful to the state in its fight against crime and criminality as its personnel understood the terrain of the state better than other security agencies.

“One thing that sets VGN apart from other security apparatuses in Nigeria is our grassroots base and the understanding of the locals.

“We are also respectable professionals and our community knowledge makes it easier for us when it comes to fighting crime fighting.

“We don’t transfer our operatives like it is done in the Nigerian police; we stay for as long as we wanted in our community and this gives us an edge when we talk of community policing than the men of the Nigerian police,” he said.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Nureni Yusuf, Alajia of Ajia commended the activities of the Oyo State Command of VGN in community policing.

He personally disclosed that he will use his position to drum support for the group because of his closeness to the Governor.