By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has entered a new phase of leadership with the assumption of office by its new Commandant-General and National Chairman, Otunba James Udoma, who has pledged to strengthen professionalism, discipline and patriotism within the organisation. His emergence follows a period of transition within the VGN and comes at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and communal conflicts. The new Commandant-General has made it clear that the organisation’s primary allegiance remains to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution and the rule of law.

Addressing senior officers, commanders and stakeholders in Abuja, Udoma declared that the VGN must remain a credible grassroots security support organisation dedicated to safeguarding communities and complementing the efforts of statutory security agencies. He emphasized that the organisation’s nationwide network places it in a unique position to assist in intelligence gathering and crime prevention across urban and rural communities.

The new Commandant-General warned personnel against allowing political interests to compromise their professional responsibilities. He stated unequivocally that no officer or member of the VGN should use the organisation’s name, uniform, vehicles, offices or insignia to promote any political party, candidate or partisan agenda. According to him, the credibility of the organisation depends on its ability to remain neutral and focused on its security-support mandate.

Udoma stressed that while individual members may exercise their constitutional rights as citizens, the organisation itself must never become a tool for political manipulation. He cautioned that any officer found engaging in partisan activities while representing the VGN would face disciplinary measures in accordance with the organisation’s regulations and operational guidelines.

The VGN currently maintains a presence across numerous states and communities in Nigeria, making it one of the country’s most extensive community-based security structures. This broad grassroots reach, according to the new leadership, should be deployed solely for public safety, community intelligence and crime prevention rather than political mobilization.

As part of his strategic vision, Udoma announced plans to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms between the VGN and conventional security agencies. He noted that members who live within communities often possess valuable knowledge about local developments, suspicious activities and emerging security threats. Properly coordinated, such information can serve as an effective early-warning system capable of preventing criminal activities before they escalate.

The Commandant-General further pledged to deepen cooperation with the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies. He maintained that the VGN has no intention of competing with established security institutions but rather seeks to complement their efforts through lawful community engagement and intelligence support.

A major pillar of the new administration’s agenda is the promotion of discipline and accountability. Udoma declared zero tolerance for extortion, intimidation, harassment, impersonation, abuse of authority and other forms of misconduct capable of tarnishing the image of the organisation. He reminded members that wearing the VGN uniform comes with responsibility and a duty to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

The new leadership also highlighted the need for continuous training and capacity building for officers and men of the organisation. According to Udoma, modern security challenges require personnel who are adequately trained in intelligence gathering, emergency response, communication, ethics, community relations and inter-agency collaboration. Strengthening these competencies will improve the effectiveness of VGN operations nationwide.

Beyond internal reforms, the Commandant-General appealed for greater support for vigilante personnel who often operate in difficult and dangerous environments. He expressed concern over casualties suffered by vigilante members in the line of duty and called for improved operational equipment, protective gear and logistical support to enhance their effectiveness and safety while supporting national security efforts.

Udoma also unveiled a framework aimed at enhancing community intelligence and security support ahead of future national engagements, including the 2027 general elections. He explained that the framework would focus on the provision of credible grassroots information to security agencies while promoting peaceful coexistence, conflict prevention and public confidence in democratic processes.