Insecurity: Kogi Gov Commissions 3,000 Vigilantes

To retain her status as one of the most secured states in Nigeria, the Kogi State government has commissioned about 3,000 men and women as vigilante guards to complement the efforts of other security agencies in the state.

The guards who were recruited and trained by the Kogi State Vigilante Service at different centers in the three senatorial districts of the state in the last one year.

While commissioning the guards at their passing out ceremony at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja on Saturday, Governor Yahaya Bello enjoined them to abhor acts that could tarnish their reputation and render the state government’s investment on them futile.

Governor Bello reiterated that his administration has zero-tolerance for insecurity, illegality and corruption, and would not spare any member of the group who is found wanting.

He urged them to bring the knowledge they had acquired at their various training grounds to bear on their job in the interest of peace and security in the state.

The governor said: “My administration values the security and the safety of its citizens. We have spent huge amount of money and time on your training. You have been taught perseverance, discipline, community policing, and patience that would sustain our efforts in the area of security.

“Put your knowledge into use and let’s see results. Be peaceful in your various domains, and be loyal to the various hierarchies of leaders you will be made to service under,” he said.

Governor Bello, who congratulated the guards on the successful completion of their training, said that “3,000 of you started the training, but due to health issues, indiscipline on the part of some of you, over 100 persons were dropped and you are fortunate to have graduated.”

He said that state governors were empowered under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to constitute vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the police on security.

Earlier, the State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) said that the vigilante service groups were used for intelligence gathering and not empowered to carry rifles as being insinuated in some quarters, adding that no single rifle had been bought for anyone.

Omodara appealed to the teams to follow the and regulations of the body and expressed appreciation to Governor Bello for his efforts at empowering thousands of youths in the state.

In his remarks, the Commander, Kogi State Vigilante Services, Hassan Aliyu, commended Governor Bello for placing priority on security, adding that from training and the provision of necessary kits, the teams were sponsored by the state government.