A leading non-governmental organisation, Save Imo, has called on the Imo State Government and police authorities to stop engaging criminals in vigilante operations, stating that the practice has been counterproductive.

In a statement signed by Ebubeagu Ekenulo, the group advised that monarchs and village heads be empowered to identify and expose criminal elements within the state’s 644 wards across the 27 local councils.

Save Imo argued that the notion of external elements being responsible for crime in the state is largely inaccurate, noting that 80 per cent of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and political thuggery, are perpetrated by locals.

The group criticised the appointment of known criminals and thugs as leaders of community vigilante groups, describing the approach as ineffective. “Stop appointing known criminals and thugs as leaders of community vigilante groups, as this approach has failed to yield the desired results,” the statement said.

Save Imo commended the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, for introducing initiatives such as a retraining programme for 45 police officers to tackle evolving criminal trends. The group acknowledged the effort as a step towards enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement in the state.

“The notion that stranger elements are the primary drivers of criminality in Imo State is a misconception. Indigenes of Imo State are largely responsible for the criminal activities plaguing the state,” the group asserted.

The organisation expressed concern over the glorification of criminals, especially those used for political thuggery during elections, and condemned the practice of hiring known criminals to intimidate opponents, stating it perpetuates violence and lawlessness.

To address the state’s security challenges, Save Imo called for community-driven initiatives led by traditional rulers and village heads to provide intelligence on suspicious individuals and known criminals in their areas. The group also urged the arrest and investigation of individuals without visible means of livelihood.