Security experts and civil society groups have warned that the arming of uncontrolled vigilante groups without proper oversight could escalate into new security threats.
The stakeholders emphasised the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s community policing framework, as well as the importance of strengthening local participation, enhancing public trust, and regulating the growing influence of non-state armed actors across the country.
The representative of the Community Policing Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Mohammed Gumel, speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the Methodology meeting on the community policing framework in Nigeria, mentioned that although the worsening security situation in the country demands greater community involvement, there is a need for collaboration with law enforcement officers.
He acknowledged that, though the activities of vigilante groups and other non-state actors have contributed to curbing local crimes, their operations must be brought under the supervision of the Nigeria Police Force.
He wondered, “Who recruits them? Who supervises them? What is their chain of command? These are critical questions. We need them to complement the police, not to compete with them. Allowing them to bear arms without proper regulation creates a dangerous precedent.”
He, however, emphasised that effective community policing must start with awareness and collaboration among citizens, security agencies, and local authorities, adding that community policing can only succeed when citizens understand their role in protecting their communities.
The Program Officer of CLEEN Foundation, Dr Salaudeen Hashim, in his remarks, called for a shift from the current “force-led” approach to a people-centred policing model.
He stated that they are deploying personnel to 12 states to assess existing community policing models and design a structured framework tailored to Nigeria’s context.
Dr Hashim said, “Security is local, and policing should also be local. Our research seeks to understand the realities on the ground and develop a model that integrates citizens into the policing decision-making process.”
The Foundation warned that the uncontrolled arming of vigilante groups, such as Amotekun, Agunayi, civilian JTFs, among others, without proper oversight, could escalate into new security threats.
“We cannot create a situation where individuals with little training wield arms without effective supervision. The police must strengthen oversight, ensure profiling, and maintain control over the use of weapons at the community level,” he stated.
He emphasised that reforming community policing in Nigeria requires political will, proper legislation, accountability, and continuous citizen engagement to build a safer and more resilient society.
