By Timeswatch
POLICE COLLEGE, IKEJA, LAGOS –
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command, has concluded its week-long Advanced Basic and Intelligence Training, with participants reaffirming their commitment to community policing and intelligence-driven security operations while calling on the Federal Government to formally integrate the organisation into Nigeria’s security architecture.
The intensive training programme, held at the Police College, Ikeja, brought together VGN officers from Lagos State and other commands across the country for classroom lectures, intelligence sessions, combat drills, self-defence exercises, parade drills and practical field operations aimed at improving their operational capacity.
The final day featured a ceremonial parade, practical demonstrations and goodwill messages from senior VGN officers, who described the programme as another milestone in strengthening grassroots security and collaboration with conventional security agencies.
Speaking with VONNews, the Deputy Commander General and guest speaker, Emmanuel Ayisire, described the Vigilante Group of Nigeria as one of the country’s foremost community-based security organisations, noting that its greatest strength lies in its presence within local communities.
According to him, VGN members possess first-hand knowledge of their communities, making them valuable partners in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
“The Vigilante Group of Nigeria is rooted in the communities. We understand the terrain, the culture and the people. That is why nothing significant happens within our communities without our members becoming aware of it. This is a unique advantage in combating insecurity,” he said.
Ayisire appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen Nigeria’s security architecture by giving greater recognition to the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, stressing that community policing cannot succeed without the active participation of grassroots security organisations.
He maintained that while discussions on state policing continue, community-based security outfits such as the VGN remain indispensable to effective intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Lagos State Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Commandant Opeyemi Tajudeen Saka, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the training, describing it as a major investment in professionalism, discipline and operational excellence.
In an interview with VONNews, Saka urged newly trained officers to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He also applauded the ongoing reconciliation within the South-West leadership of the organisation, describing unity as critical to achieving greater recognition and institutional support.
“Today, we are speaking with one voice. Unity has strengthened our organisation, and we believe it will also strengthen our engagement with government and other security stakeholders,” he said.
The Assistant Group Commandant (Administration), Alhaji Owolabi Amusat, said the training represented the sixth advanced programme organised by the Lagos State Command, adding that participants had demonstrated remarkable discipline and commitment throughout the exercise.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired during the training would improve administrative efficiency, intelligence gathering and operational performance across various VGN commands.
Speaking with VONNews, the Assistant Group Commandant (South-West Zone), Aree Shola Shodiyan, emphasised the importance of unity within the organisation, noting that the harmonisation of VGN leadership across the South-West had strengthened collaboration and positioned the organisation for greater national relevance.
He called on the Federal Government to recognise the Vigilante Group of Nigeria as a strategic partner in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Also speaking, Julius Nnamere, Area Commander of Alimosho Division, appreciated the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the leadership of the Police College for supporting the training.
He said the intelligence programme had further equipped officers with the knowledge required to complement conventional security agencies and appealed for the speedy integration of VGN into Nigeria’s security framework.
The Head of the Market and Motor Park Department, Olufemi Onayemi, urged newly trained officers to maintain close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and remain law-abiding while carrying out their duties.
According to him, effective intelligence gathering depends on strong cooperation between community security organisations and conventional law enforcement agencies.
Similarly, Folayan Olatokunbo A., Commander of the Ikorodu Division, described the training as one of the best organised by the command, commending the Nigeria Police Force for exposing participants to intelligence gathering techniques, human rights principles, operational ethics and modern security tactics.
He appealed to the Federal Government to formally recognise the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, noting that such recognition would improve the morale of officers and strengthen community policing across the country.
The training concluded with participants pledging to apply the knowledge acquired in their various communities while maintaining professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
As officers departed the Police College, Ikeja, the recurring message remained clear: stronger collaboration between government, conventional security agencies and community-based security organisations is essential to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challengesThe Lagos State Command also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, instructors at the Police College, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful conduct of the Advanced Basic and Intelligence Training.
The week-long programme ended with renewed optimism that the skills acquired would further enhance intelligence gathering, crime prevention and community policing while reinforcing the Vigilante Group of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.
@VONNews
Loveline Agbonifo
