By Tunji Braimoh Abuja

The National Chairman and Commander General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba James Udoma, has sought a strategic partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to enhance human rights compliance and professionalism across the organisation’s operations nationwide.During an official visit to the Commission on September 24, 2026, Udoma emphasised the need for continuous capacity building for VGN personnel, particularly in the area of human rights protection and adherence to constitutional provisions governing security and law enforcement activities.He appealed to the NHRC to support the organisation through specialised training programmes aimed at equipping VGN operatives with a deeper understanding of fundamental human rights standards and best practices in community based security operations.Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, the Director of Civil and Political Rights, Mr Halilu Adamu, commended the initiative and expressed the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with the VGN in promoting a rights based approach to security operations.Adamu acknowledged the significant role played by the VGN in providing grassroots intelligence and supporting conventional security agencies, particularly in vulnerable and conflict affected communities. He, however, stressed that all security related activities must be carried out in strict compliance with human rights principles and the rule of law.He noted that strengthening respect for human rights among community security volunteers would further enhance public confidence, accountability and effective service delivery.The meeting underscored the commitment of both organisations to fostering professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity in community security operations, while deepening collaboration aimed at promoting safer and more secure communities across the country.The engagement is expected to pave the way for future training programmes and joint initiatives designed to strengthen human rights awareness and compliance among VGN personnel nationwide.