By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has received a major boost in its ongoing reform and capacity-development drive following a commitment by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Multidollar Group, Chief Joseph Waya, to support the organisation’s operational growth, equipment enhancement and personnel development.

The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Otunba James Udoma, FISN, to the headquarters of Multidollar Group, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the private sector and community-based security institutions.

Speaking during the engagement, Chief Waya commended the leadership of Otunba Udoma, describing him as a visionary and patriotic leader whose commitment to institutional reforms, community safety and national security has repositioned the organisation for greater effectiveness.

He noted that the ongoing transformation within the VGN under the current leadership deserves the support of responsible corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians who are passionate about national development and public safety.

Chief Waya pledged the company’s full support towards the advancement of the organisation, stressing that Multidollar Group would explore avenues for mobilising private-sector participation in programmes aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the VGN.

According to him, such support would cover financial assistance, logistics, operational equipment, training opportunities and other resources required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of VGN personnel in supporting the nation’s security architecture.

The meeting also featured discussions on international-standard security training and professional capacity building for officers and men of the organisation.

During the visit, Mr. Sergel Rinkel, Director of International Operations at Multidollar Group, was introduced to the Commandant-General as a seasoned security professional with extensive international experience in strategic security management, intelligence operations, operational planning and related security disciplines.

Mr. Rinkel’s professional exposure, which includes engagements involving the United States Coast Guard and INTERPOL, was identified as a valuable asset that could contribute significantly to the development of specialised training programmes for VGN personnel.

Responding, Otunba James Udoma welcomed the proposed partnership and emphasised that the transformation agenda of the organisation requires sustained investment in professional training, modern equipment, strategic partnerships and personnel development.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to operating within the confines of the law while complementing the efforts of statutory security agencies, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant institutions.

The Commandant-General stated that the current administration would continue to prioritise partnerships capable of delivering measurable improvements in intelligence gathering, community policing, emergency response, operational coordination and personnel competence.

He expressed appreciation to Chief Joseph Waya and the Multidollar Group management for their patriotism and willingness to support initiatives aimed at strengthening community-based security structures across the country.

Otunba Udoma described the engagement as a significant step towards fostering stronger collaboration between the private sector and grassroots security organisations, noting that such partnerships are critical to addressing emerging security challenges.

He further reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and called on corporate organisations, philanthropists and other stakeholders to emulate Multidollar Group by supporting legitimate security initiatives that promote peace, safety and national development.

The Commandant-General assured that the Vigilante Group of Nigeria would remain committed to professionalism, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights and effective collaboration with relevant security agencies while continuously enhancing its capacity to contribute meaningfully to a safer and more secure Nigeria.