Being the Text of a Speech by Navy Captain (Dr) Umar Bakori (rtd), the Chairman/Commander General, Vigilante Group of NIGERIA (VGN,
at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit
and Recognition Awards Ceremony

Good morning distinguished guests, security stakeholders, policymakers, and fellow citizens.

I am Navy Captain (Dr.) Umar Bakori, Commander and Chairman of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). It is a great honor to address this distinguished gathering at the 2025 People’s Security Monitor Security Summit.

Let me begin by sincerely thanking the organizers for providing this important platform. This summit not only highlights achievements in our security sector, but also recognizes the courage and sacrifice of men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect our communities. At a time of growing insecurity, your work and commitment are truly indispensable.

The theme of my address today is “Community-Driven Security: A Key Pillar for a Safer Nation.” I chose this topic deliberately because I firmly believe that sustainable national security cannot be achieved by state institutions alone. True security is built through strong partnerships between formal security agencies and ordinary citizens, working together at the grassroots level.

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria was established precisely to serve this purpose. Our roots are deeply embedded in local communities at the village, ward, and local government levels, and over time, these efforts have been consolidated at the federal level for better coordination and effectiveness.

Our mission is clear and focused: to assist the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies in curbing crime; to protect lives and property; to provide timely intelligence; and to mobilize communities toward preventive and positive security engagement.

We operate within the reality that Nigeria is significantly underpoliced. For a population of about 200 million people, the country has fewer than 350,000 police officers, translating to roughly one officer for every 600 citizens. This falls well below the United Nations recommended ratio of one officer to 400 citizens.

It is within this gap that the Vigilante Group of Nigeria plays a vital complementary role. Today, VGN has over 20,000 trained personnel, with training support from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services. We are present across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Beyond this, our broader membership runs into hundreds of thousands, with estimates of up to one million community volunteers, depending on registry data.

Why does community-driven security matter?

First, it strengthens intelligence gathering. Our members serve as the eyes and ears of formal security agencies within their communities. Because they live among the people, they are often able to identify threats early, long before they escalate into major crises.

Second, community security provides a critical first line of response. When communities are threatened by unknown gunmen or criminal elements, VGN personnel are often the first to act. This rapid local response can deter crime, reduce damage, and save lives, especially in situations where formal security forces may be delayed due to limited manpower or logistics.

Third, community-driven security builds trust. Our volunteers are drawn from the same communities they protect. They understand local cultures, concerns, and grievances. This familiarity builds credibility and encourages residents to cooperate by reporting crimes and sharing vital information.

Evidence supports this approach. A study conducted in Kano State revealed strong public acceptance of vigilante groups. About 74.06 percent of respondents stated that crime levels were very high before the introduction of vigilante groups, while perceptions of insecurity dropped significantly afterward. Furthermore, 59 percent rated vigilante performance as “very good,” and 18 percent described it as “excellent.” These findings highlight the value communities place on grassroots security initiatives.

However, community-driven security is not without challenges. It is not a silver bullet. Studies across the country show that some vigilante groups suffer from inadequate training, poor funding, weak coordination with formal security agencies, and insufficient oversight. If these gaps are not addressed, the risk of abuse or misuse can undermine public trust.

The Nigeria Risk Index has also warned against unchecked vigilantism. Between 2018 and mid-2024, vigilante-related incidents reportedly resulted in 348 deaths, mostly in small-scale incidents but with some larger cases. These sobering figures remind us that community security must always be guided by accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission Observatory Report revealed that in July 2025 alone, vigilante groups recorded 97 fatalities, making them one of the most vulnerable actors within Nigeria’s security ecosystem. This painful reality underscores the urgent need for better training, protection, regulation, and integration of community security operatives.

At the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, we are fully aware of these risks. That is why we place strong emphasis on capacity building. Our members receive training in community policing, intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and human rights standards. Our goal is to remain a disciplined, professional, and responsible organization that protects citizens while respecting their rights.

We also continue to advocate for formal recognition and regulation. The VGN constitution mandates us to assist the police, maintain peace, and support community development. We believe that legislative backing through a national VGN bill will strengthen accountability, provide clear oversight, and better protect both our volunteers and the communities they serve.

Beyond safety, community-driven security contributes directly to economic stability. Safer communities attract investment, enable businesses to thrive, and strengthen social cohesion. By reducing the burden on formal security agencies, grassroots security allows them to focus on more strategic responsibilities while helping to break cycles of violence that hinder development.

In conclusion, let me reaffirm this key message: community-driven security is not a second-class option; it is a central pillar of a safer nation. The Vigilante Group of Nigeria remains ready to partner with government agencies, civil society, and local communities to build a more secure, resilient, and peaceful Nigeria.

Together, we can bridge the security gap, protect our people, and build the nation we all desire and deserve.

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.