A security expert and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections with the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, has advised the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to restructure the state vigilante services to enhance their performance and yield positive results.
In his memo to the state security adviser, Ali emphasised the need for modernising and professionalising the vigilante group to address the increasing security challenges in the state.
The proposal followed a rise in bandit activities, including the killing of two vigilantes in Egbe, Yagba West local government of Kogi state.
The Guardian reports that within the week, three police officers were also killed by gunmen believed to be bandits.
The proposal stresses the importance of recruiting educated and skilled youths into the vigilante system, enhancing compensation packages, and ensuring adequate funding and logistics to boost their effectiveness.
It also proposes collaboration with formal security agencies and establishing clear accountability frameworks to guarantee professionalism and prevent abuse of power.
According to the proposal, reorganising the Kogi State Vigilante Service would significantly strengthen the fight against insecurity and help restore lasting peace and stability across the state.
The proposal also emphasises the potential advantages of the restructuring, including increased security, support for overstretched security agencies, cost-effective security measures, youth employment and empowerment, better economic growth and investment, and public confidence in governance.
The proposal suggests enhancing compensation packages for vigilante members to motivate them and deter corruption.
It highlights the importance of sufficient funding and logistics to support the vigilante group, along with collaboration with official security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
The proposal also suggests establishing clear accountability frameworks to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse of power.
