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

At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats, Dr James Udoma, Commandant General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), believes that a stronger grassroots security network, supported by reliable intelligence, professional training and effective collaboration with conventional security agencies, can make a significant difference.

Since assuming leadership of the organisation, Udoma has prioritised membership verification, institutional discipline, intelligence gathering and stronger engagement with other security institutions. His vision is to build a more organised and accountable VGN that can contribute effectively to national security without competing with the statutory responsibilities of the police and other authorised agencies.

In this exclusive interview with Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor, Udoma speaks on his leadership agenda, the nationwide registration of members, funding challenges, statutory recognition, state police, electoral security and the need for governments to harness existing community security structures.

The conversation also examines difficult questions surrounding accountability, the management of weapons, political neutrality and the extent to which a nationwide voluntary security organisation can be supported to deliver more effective results.

QUESTION: You assumed leadership of an organisation with a substantial nationwide presence. What is your vision for the VGN, and what legacy would you like to leave behind?

DR JAMES UDOMA: I learnt a great deal from my predecessor, of blessed memory, under whom I served as Deputy Commandant General. His experience in security management and intelligence gathering provided valuable lessons that I intend to build upon.

When I assumed office, one of my first priorities was to understand the organisation from the grassroots. I wanted to know our members, where they operate, the communities they serve and the responsibilities they perform.

My vision is to build a more organised, disciplined and professional institution with reliable personnel records, effective supervision and improved operational capacity. I want to leave behind an organisation whose members can be properly identified and whose activities are conducted within clearly defined responsibilities.

QUESTION: Is this primarily an administrative reform, or do you intend to change the way the VGN contributes to Nigeria’s security architecture?

DR JAMES UDOMA: It is both. An organisation cannot perform effectively without a sound administrative foundation. We must know our members, understand our operational structure and ensure that people claiming to represent us are genuine members.

At the same time, we want to improve our contribution to community security through intelligence gathering, proper reporting and cooperation with conventional security agencies. Institutional reform will help us achieve these objectives more effectively.

QUESTION: One of your immediate initiatives has been the nationwide registration and profiling of VGN members. How far has the exercise progressed?

DR JAMES UDOMA: The exercise is progressing, and the response has been encouraging. Within the first three days, more than 7,000 members had registered across the country. We are continuing the exercise to capture more personnel and establish a reliable database.

We want to know each member’s state, local government area, unit and service background. We also need to establish the supervisory structure under which each person operates.

The objective is not simply to collect names. We want to verify membership and ensure that the people wearing our uniform are authorised to do so.

QUESTION: How will the proposed biometric system work in practical terms?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Our plan is to link members’ records to identification cards supported by biometric information. An authorised person should be able to scan the code on a card and verify the information associated with the individual.

This will make it easier to establish a member’s identity, operational unit and other relevant details. It will also help us identify people falsely claiming membership or using the organisation’s name and uniform without authorisation.

QUESTION: Are you suggesting that unauthorised persons may currently be moving around in VGN uniforms?

DR JAMES UDOMA: That is precisely why verification is important. We cannot assume that everyone who claims membership is genuine or that every person wearing a uniform is authorised to represent the organisation.

Large institutions need proper screening and identification systems. Through this exercise, we want to establish a clearer picture of our personnel and take appropriate action where individuals fail to meet our membership requirements.

QUESTION: What happens to members in remote communities where there is no reliable telecommunications network?

DR JAMES UDOMA: We have encountered that difficulty in some areas. Our local commanders are helping affected members travel to locations where they can complete the registration process. The exercise must reach the grassroots because that is where many of our members operate.

QUESTION: The VGN has a substantial nationwide membership, yet it does not enjoy the same budgetary support as conventional security agencies. How do you manage such a large organisation?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Our members come from different professional and social backgrounds. They include artisans, engineers, programmers, traders, market participants, students, retirees and other citizens who volunteer to protect their communities.

In many places, market women, landlords, traders and community stakeholders assist because they recognise the importance of protecting their businesses, homes and neighbourhoods. Many of our members also have their own occupations and contribute their time alongside their regular work.

However, funding remains a major challenge. Our personnel need logistics, communications equipment, training and appropriate welfare arrangements to perform their duties effectively.

QUESTION: With so many members spread across the country, how can voluntary contributions from market women, landlords and community stakeholders possibly meet the organisation’s operational needs?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Community support is helpful, but it cannot replace structured institutional support. We need the government, private sector organisations and other stakeholders to recognise the contribution of our members and assist through appropriate arrangements.

Our appeal is for support that will improve logistics, training and operational effectiveness. We also need transparent systems to ensure that any assistance received is properly managed.

QUESTION: Are you saying that the VGN could do considerably more if the government provided adequate support?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Yes. Our members are willing to contribute, but commitment alone cannot solve every operational problem. With appropriate training, equipment, supervision and welfare support, they would be better positioned to assist in preventing crime and providing timely information to the relevant authorities.

QUESTION: What is the nature of your relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Our relationship is based on cooperation and the common objective of making Nigeria safer. We report relevant security incidents and provide information gathered by our members to the appropriate agencies.

Our members live and work in the communities where security threats may first become apparent. They can identify suspicious activities and report emerging concerns that may require intervention.

We understand that no single organisation can tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone. Our responsibility is to contribute useful grassroots information that can support the work of the conventional agencies.

QUESTION: If your members gather information about criminal activities before the police become aware of them, why does the VGN not establish an independent national crime database?

DR JAMES UDOMA: We do not want to compete with the police or create the impression that we are establishing a parallel security system. Our primary responsibility is to support community security and pass relevant information to the appropriate authorities.

We may maintain administrative records for managing our personnel and monitoring our activities. However, criminal incidents should be reported through established channels so that the responsible agencies can investigate them and take appropriate action.

QUESTION: Does this mean the VGN does not keep any records of its operational activities?

DR JAMES UDOMA: We need administrative records to manage our organisation, but our approach must avoid duplicating the statutory functions of other agencies. Information about suspects, incidents and recovered items should be handled in a manner that supports the work of the competent authorities.

When a suspect is apprehended lawfully, the person should be handed over to the appropriate agency for investigation and possible prosecution.

QUESTION: Can you provide an example of how VGN members have supported conventional security operations?

DR JAMES UDOMA: During my service as a commander in Lagos, armed suspects reportedly overpowered personnel at a police station, took weapons and ammunition and fled into a swampy area.

I directed our members in the affected locality, including those operating around Ojo, to assist in locating the suspects and report their findings. According to my account of the incident, three suspects were subsequently arrested and some of the stolen ammunition recovered.

The suspects and recovered items were then handed over to the appropriate police authorities.

QUESTION: What does that incident tell us about the importance of community based security organisations?

DR JAMES UDOMA: It demonstrates the value of local knowledge and timely information. People who understand their environment may be able to identify routes, locations and other details that can help the authorities respond to an incident.

However, such assistance must be lawful and properly coordinated. Our members are not a substitute for professional investigation or prosecution. Their role is to support the responsible agencies.

QUESTION: What are you doing to ensure that VGN members are adequately trained to perform their duties?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Training is fundamental. Members must understand intelligence gathering, threat identification, reporting procedures, human rights and the limits of their authority.

We appreciate the training opportunities and professional engagements we have received from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services. These engagements help our officers develop their understanding of security operations and intelligence management.

We have also pursued human rights training for senior personnel. We intend to expand these opportunities through engagement with relevant institutions.

QUESTION: Given that your members may encounter suspects and sensitive security situations, how do you prevent them from exceeding their authority?

DR JAMES UDOMA: That is why training, discipline and supervision are important. Members must understand that their responsibilities are defined by law and that they cannot assume powers that belong to other agencies.

They must know how to report incidents, handle situations within their lawful authority and hand over suspects to the appropriate authorities. Respect for human rights is essential to building public confidence in our organisation.

QUESTION: What progress has been made towards securing a legal framework for the VGN?

DR JAMES UDOMA: During the previous administration, a bill seeking a statutory framework for the organisation was submitted to the National Assembly. As I understand the process, it passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate, but it did not receive presidential assent before the end of that administration.

We are working to advance the matter through the appropriate legislative and executive channels under the present administration.

A clear legal framework would define our responsibilities, operational limits, accountability requirements and relationship with other security institutions.

QUESTION: Why is statutory recognition so important when the VGN already has an established structure and operates in communities across the country?

DR JAMES UDOMA: An established structure is important, but a clear legal framework would provide greater certainty about our responsibilities and the limits of our authority.

It would help define how the organisation should operate, how personnel should be supervised and how our activities should relate to those of other security agencies.

We are seeking a framework that enables us to contribute effectively while ensuring that our activities remain lawful and accountable. We do not want to compete with the police or operate outside the law.

QUESTION: Some Nigerians argue that the existing VGN structure could support grassroots policing instead of creating entirely new state police organisations. What is your position?

DR JAMES UDOMA: The government should examine all appropriate options for strengthening local security. The VGN has a presence in communities across the country, including at local government level. That is a resource worth considering.

If the government decides to incorporate qualified vigilante personnel into a properly constituted state policing arrangement, we are ready to engage constructively.

However, such an arrangement must provide for proper screening, training, supervision, legal authority and accountability. Personnel must operate under a clearly defined command structure.

QUESTION: But would it not be risky to incorporate vigilante personnel into state policing without first resolving concerns about political influence and accountability?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Those concerns must be addressed. Any arrangement involving community security personnel must be properly regulated, and the government must ensure that the people selected are suitable for the responsibilities assigned to them.

We are not saying that the VGN should automatically replace the police. Our position is that the government should assess existing resources and determine how qualified personnel can contribute within a lawful and coordinated system.

QUESTION: You have expressed concern about state governors establishing separate vigilante outfits. What risks do you see in this approach?

DR JAMES UDOMA: My concern is the long term management of personnel, equipment and operational responsibilities. When an administration establishes and equips a security outfit, it must consider what happens when that administration leaves office.

Who will supervise the personnel? Who will account for the equipment? How will the organisation remain accountable under a new administration?

These questions become particularly important when weapons or other sensitive security equipment are involved.

QUESTION: Are you suggesting that weapons issued to a state backed vigilante outfit could become a security problem after a change of government?

DR JAMES UDOMA: That is one of the risks that must be considered. Any arrangement involving weapons requires clear rules governing their issuance, storage, use, recovery and accountability.

Governments should assess existing structures and establish appropriate safeguards before creating additional outfits. Security initiatives must be sustainable and properly supervised so that they do not generate new problems.

QUESTION: With the forthcoming general election approaching, what role does the VGN intend to play in ensuring a peaceful electoral process?

DR JAMES UDOMA: We are prepared to support a peaceful election within the limits of the law. We intend to engage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discuss possible areas of assistance under an appropriate and authorised arrangement.

Our members can help identify emerging security threats in their communities and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities before, during and after the election.

QUESTION: Will VGN members be involved in securing ballot boxes and polling locations?

DR JAMES UDOMA: We are prepared to discuss appropriate support with INEC and the relevant security agencies. Any deployment must be properly authorised and coordinated with the institutions responsible for electoral security.

Our members must understand that their role is to support peace and public safety, not to interfere with the electoral process.

QUESTION: How will you ensure that your members do not become instruments of political intimidation?

DR JAMES UDOMA: Political neutrality is essential. The VGN has no business supporting one candidate or political party against another. Our responsibility is to help maintain peace and protect citizens, irrespective of who wins an election.

We will continue to sensitise our members and commanders on discipline, lawful conduct and impartiality. Members must not intimidate voters, interfere unlawfully with electoral activities or act on behalf of political parties.

Where there are credible indications of planned violence or other criminal activities, our members should report the information to the appropriate authorities.

QUESTION: Finally, what would you like the Federal Government, state governments and other stakeholders to do to strengthen the VGN’s contribution to national security?

DR JAMES UDOMA: I appeal to the government to recognise the contribution that properly organised community security personnel can make to national safety.

We need a clear legal framework, improved training, appropriate operational support and effective accountability. These measures would help our members perform their responsibilities more effectively.

I also urge state governors to examine how existing security structures can contribute to their security objectives through lawful and properly supervised arrangements.

The VGN is ready to work with the Federal Government, state governments, the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and other relevant institutions.

Our members are present in communities across the country, and we want their knowledge and commitment to be put to productive use. With effective coordination, proper training and the necessary support, they can contribute more meaningfully to preventing crime and protecting lives and property.

Ultimately, our objective is to help build a safer Nigeria. Security is a collective responsibility, and every institution must understand its role and work with others in the national interest.