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

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) will today, Thursday, inaugurate its Ogun State Command in Abeokuta, with Commander Isola Shola Dayo taking charge as the state commander in a move aimed at strengthening community based security, grassroots intelligence gathering and collaboration with conventional security agencies.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to hold along NNPC Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State, will be presided over by the Commandant General of the VGN, Dr Otunba James Udoma. The event will formally establish the organisation’s state command and introduce its leadership and operational framework.

A major highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of an official letter of appointment to Dayo, alongside the unveiling of the VGN Code of Conduct and presentation of the organisation’s Constitution. The documents are expected to guide the conduct, responsibilities and administration of members in Ogun State.

Dayo is expected to lead the state command in accordance with the VGN’s established rules and regulations, with a responsibility to promote discipline, accountability and effective coordination among members. His appointment also places him at the centre of efforts to strengthen community participation in crime prevention and the provision of credible security intelligence.

The inauguration comes amid continuing efforts to strengthen grassroots participation in security management. Through community engagement and timely intelligence sharing, the VGN seeks to support relevant security agencies in identifying threats, preventing criminal activities and improving public safety.

The introduction of the Code of Conduct is expected to reinforce professional standards and responsible behaviour among members, including respect for human rights, the rule of law and the rights of residents. The VGN Constitution will provide an institutional framework for leadership, administration and the discharge of the organisation’s responsibilities.

The event will also provide an opportunity for the VGN leadership to restate its commitment to cooperation with the Federal Government, state authorities and conventional security agencies in tackling insecurity. The organisation’s community based structure is intended to complement, rather than replace, the statutory responsibilities of established security institutions.

The inauguration of the Ogun State Command represents a further step in the VGN’s efforts to expand its organisational presence and strengthen its contribution to local security. Under Dr Udoma’s leadership, the organisation is seeking to improve grassroots intelligence gathering, promote responsible vigilante operations and deepen cooperation with relevant authorities in support of a safer Ogun State and Nigeria.