***Urges group to share perceived threats to 2027 elections

Commander, Presidential Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has sought the collaboration of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) on timely intelligence sharing with the military to address insecurity in the country.

Speaking when he received the Commandant-General of the VGN, Otunba James Udoma, at the Brigade headquarters in Abuja, Onasanya noted that the VGN plays a pivotal role in grassroots intelligence gathering, which cannot be ignored by the conventional security agencies, including the armed forces.

The commander revealed that ahead of the 2027 general elections, there are already some threats and urged the Vigilante Group to share information on any perceived threat.

He said, “The period that we are in, there are people who have made up their minds to destabilise Nigeria, and we will not allow that to happen”

According to the Commander of the Guards Brigade, if we continue conducting operations without timely and credible intelligence, it will not be good for security stability. This is where we need the cooperation of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to help us with reliable and credible intelligence.

He urged the VGN to share information with the Brigade, pledging to act on such information. “We will work with you to eradicate the proliferation of light and small arms in the country”, Onasanya assured.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of men and women of the Vigilante Group for the security and safety of the country, saying, “When we see a serious group, we identify with them and work with them”.

“The VGN is an important partner, and we are ready for more joint operations with you. We will, however, ensure that your men are not put in harm’s way, as we will do all we can to protect them during future operations”.

Earlier, Udoma commended the Presidential Guards Brigade for its professionalism in keeping the Commander-In-Chief and the First Family safe.

Udoma said the visit was to brief Onasanya on the activities of the group and his recent appointment as Commander-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria following the unfortunate death of his predecessor, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (rtd).

“I consider this visit very important in view of the special role of the PGB in ensuring national security. I appreciate the great efforts of the Commander, Guards Brigade, in providing visionary leadership that is keeping the Federal Capital Territory, which is the seat of power, safe for all residents”.

Udoma noted that the mandate to secure Nigeria should be of concern to all Nigerians, adding that the Vigilante Group of Nigeria is a security – oriented NGO whose members do not draw government salaries, but are committed through selfless service to the safety and security of the country.

While acknowledging the Police as the lead force for internal security, Udoma disclosed that the presence of the Vigilante Group in the 774 Local Governments across the country affords it the opportunity to access first-hand intelligence.

The National Public Relations Officer of VGN, ACG Igho Akeregha, said in a statement that the local security group pledged to work with the Guards Brigade for a safer, more secure country.