Vigilante commander general seeks collaboration on Nigeria’s security

Dr. Usman Jahun, Commander General, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), has called for collaborative efforts in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in the country.

Jahun made the call in an interview on Sunday, in Abuja, noting that security should be the concern of all citizens.

“The citizens should identify the roles they can play in ensuring that the country is adequately secured.

“The government, media, businessmen, various unions, among others, also have roles to play.

“The public should cooperate with security agencies to ensure that we achieve our targets in securing the communities,” he said.

The Vigilante boss said that despite obvious challenges, the organisation had contributed immensely towards ensuring security in the country.

“The non assent of the bill on vigilante groups has seriously affected our operations, but we have tried hard to be self sustaining.

“The military and police have not succeeded in quelling insurgency in the north east zone of the country for instance, as they had to engaged the services of local vigilantes.

“It is then clear that the security agencies need the services of the community members to effectively discharge their duties.

“We greatly assist relevant security agencies in Borno, combing the Sambisa forest among others, to assist them discharge their duties,” he said.

Jahun urged government at all levels to assist vigilante groups, through the provision of logistics, trainings among other incentives needed for improved services.

The group, which has branches across the country, promotes community policing, assist mainstream security agencies in crime prevention and control among other functions.