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

The Commander-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba Dr James Udoma, has paid a working visit to the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and promote community-based approaches to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, focused on the need to deepen collaboration between community security organisations, traditional institutions, socio-cultural groups and relevant security agencies in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

During the engagement, discussions centred on grassroots security, community vigilance, intelligence gathering and sharing, as well as the strategic role of traditional institutions and influential community leaders in supporting Nigeria’s security architecture. Udoma emphasised the importance of building stronger relationships with credible traditional institutions and socio-cultural organisations, noting that effective security management requires the active participation of communities and stakeholders at all levels.

The VGN Commander-General also acknowledged the leadership and influence of Chief Gani Adams in promoting community consciousness, peaceful coexistence, security awareness and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, local intelligence and community participation into broader security strategies, particularly in identifying emerging threats and providing timely information to relevant security agencies. The engagement underscores the VGN’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders in its efforts to support the prevention of crime, protection of lives and property, and maintenance of peace across the country.

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to lawful community security support, intelligence-driven vigilance, inter-agency cooperation and constructive engagement with relevant institutions in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The organisation maintained that sustainable national security cannot be achieved through the efforts of conventional security agencies alone, but requires a coordinated approach involving communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.