The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has appealed to government at all levels to assist its groups with logistics, trainings, among other incentives needed for improved services.
Its Commander-General, Dr Usman Jahun, made the appeal in Abuja Sunday during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
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He noted that security should be the concern of all citizens.
He also called for collaborative efforts in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in the country.
“The citizens should identify the roles they can play in ensuring that the country is adequately secured.
“The government, media, businessmen, various unions, among others, also have roles to play.
“The public should cooperate with security agencies to ensure that we achieve our targets in securing the communities,” he said.
He said that despite obvious challenges, the organisation had contributed immensely towards ensuring security in the country.
“The non-assent of the bill on vigilante groups has seriously affected our operations, but we have tried hard to be self-sustaining.
“The military and police have not succeeded in quelling insurgency in the north east zone of the country for instance, as they had to engage the services of local vigilantes.
“It is then clear that the security agencies need the services of the community members to effectively discharge their duties.
“We greatly assist relevant security agencies in Borno, combing the Sambisa forest among others, to assist them discharge their duties,” he said.
NAN reports that the group, which has branches across the country, promotes community policing, assist mainstream security agencies in crime prevention and control among other functions. (NAN)