Pix: VGN CG, Otun̈ba James Udoma

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

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has called on its members, stakeholders, security partners and the general public to promote unity, uphold institutional integrity and respect the organisation’s legitimate leadership structure.

The organisation’s history dates back to its founding by Alhaji Ali Sokoto, who established the VGN before his death. Following his demise, leadership passed to the late Commander General, Umar Bakori, who subsequently steered the affairs of the organisation. Although the VGN experienced disagreements and legal disputes over its leadership in the past, the death of Umar Bakori has made it imperative for members and stakeholders to embrace an orderly leadership transition and avoid actions capable of generating further confusion or division.

Following Bakori’s demise, Otunba James Udoma was appointed as the new Commander General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.Consequently, members and stakeholders have been urged to recognise his appointment and leadership authority, while ensuring that the organisation’s original registration and certification documents are accorded due recognition, subject to verification by the appropriate regulatory and government authorities.

All VGN members across the federation have also been encouraged to rally behind legitimate leadership, preserve the founding ideals of the organisation and refrain from unnecessary leadership disagreements that could undermine its operational effectiveness.

The call further emphasised that internal disputes and competing leadership claims could weaken the organisation’s collective capacity to support government security agencies in addressing the growing security challenges confronting the country.It stressed that the future of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria depends on unity rather than division, credible leadership rather than confusion, and authentic documentation rather than competing claims.

Members, stakeholders and security partners were therefore urged to place the overall interest of the organisation above personal considerations and work collectively towards preserving its integrity, institutional history and future. The statement concluded with an appeal to all concerned to support peace, stability and responsible leadership in the VGN, noting that a united organisation would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.