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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Vigilante boss urges FG to equip members to reduce battlefield losses

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • The Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, James Udoma, called on the Federal Government to equip its members.
  • Udoma stated that many VGN members have died due to a lack of adequate equipment and kits on the frontlines.
  • He expressed confidence in the VGN's capacity to fight insurgency and criminality when properly supported, and unveiled a framework for election security.

James Udoma, Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), has appealed to the Federal Government to supply his organization's members with essential equipment and operational tools. Udoma highlighted that a significant number of VGN personnel have been lost in the fight against insecurity because they are often deployed to dangerous frontlines without proper gear.

We are losing most of our men across the country daily because they are mostly in the front battle to secure Nigeria without proper kits and equipment.

— James UdomaAddressing the need for better equipment for VGN members.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Udoma emphasized that the VGN has trained its personnel in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and profiled them for deployment. He stressed the necessity for government support in providing the required tools. "We are losing most of our men across the country daily because they are mostly in the front battle to secure Nigeria without proper kits and equipment," Udoma stated, adding that the VGN "remains deeply passionate about this mission."

Now, as Commander General, I am calling on the Federal Government to fulfil its responsibility by equipping and kitting our personnel.

— James UdomaDirect appeal to the Federal Government for support.

Udoma thanked governors in northern states for their support in equipping VGN members, noting their effectiveness. He expressed strong confidence in the VGN's ability to contribute significantly to combating insurgency and criminality. "We have what it takes to stop insurgency in Nigeria. We have what it takes to stop criminality in Nigeria. We have the men, we have the resources. We are to support the security agencies in making sure we keep Nigeria safe," he asserted.

Our officers have been properly profiled and trained by the Nigerian Police Force before deployment.

— James UdomaHighlighting the preparedness of VGN personnel.

Regarding internal issues, Udoma mentioned the establishment of a committee to address factionalism and engage aggrieved members. He also introduced a 2027 Election Security Support and Community Intelligence Framework designed to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering for elections. The VGN aims to complement, not compete with, existing security agencies and has pledged zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct among its personnel.

Within the northern states, I will thank most of the governors who have come on board to equip our men, and our men are delivering.

— James UdomaAcknowledging support from some state governors.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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