By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Salihu Argungu, on Tuesday received the National Chairman and Commander General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba James Udoma, during a working visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Udoma, who was accompanied by senior officers of the VGN, commended the leadership qualities of the PSC Chairman and appealed for the Commission’s support for the foremost community policing organisation in its efforts to strengthen grassroots security across the country.
During the visit, the VGN Commander General briefed DIG Argungu on the recent change in the organisation’s leadership following the death of its former Commander General, retired Navy Captain Umar Bakori, who passed away after a brief illness in August 2026.
Udoma explained that prior to his appointment as Commander General, he served as the Deputy National Chairman and Deputy Commander General of the VGN. He noted that his elevation was endorsed by the organisation’s Board, National Executive Council, and Commanders from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The VGN leader appealed to the PSC Chairman to support the organisation’s mission of promoting safer and more secure communities nationwide through enhanced collaboration and intelligence sharing with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
As part of the visit, Udoma presented a plaque of appreciation to DIG Argungu on behalf of the VGN in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
In his response, Argungu, who was accompanied by directors of the Commission, expressed delight at hosting the VGN delegation and thanked the organisation for acknowledging his contributions to national service through the Police Service Commission.
He advised the Commander General to maintain strong working relationships with other security agencies in the interest of national security, expressing confidence that such partnerships would help the VGN achieve its objectives.
Argungu also explained that the core responsibilities of the Police Service Commission include the appointment, promotion, and discipline of senior police officers.
The PSC Chairman emphasized the important role vigilante groups play in safeguarding lives and property, noting that the roots of modern policing can be traced to community-based security structures established to protect society.
He assured Udoma of the Commission’s support and pledged to remain accessible to the VGN in its efforts to strengthen community security and complement the work of formal law enforcement agencies.
The VGN Commander General was accompanied on the visit by Deputy Commander General (Administration), Muhammad Azare; Deputy Commander General (Finance), Jubril Aliyu; Assistant Commander General and National Public Relations Officer, Igho Akeregha; FCT State Commander, Umar Girinya; and other senior officers of the organisation.