Experts Advocate Training For Vigilantes To Combat Insecurity

Following the increasing cases of kidnapping in some communities in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, some security experts have called for improved motivation and proper training of local vigilantes to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police and the military in combating the ugly trends.

According to those that spoke with THE WHISTLER on Wednesday, locals knew the terrains of their communities and could easily identify strangers in their midst.

Thomas Nnadi is a private security operator. He said, “The watchword is vigilance. Strangers are always identified among natives. When such people are seen, they should be monitored.

“This is where local vigilantes are necessary. With motivation and intelligence training, they can bust all these nefarious activities. They should be working in conjunction with conventional security operatives. Information matters a lot. If the hideouts of criminal elements are not exposed, they can always launch their attacks without hindrances.”

Malachy Ogwo is a retired security operative. He said the most effective way of eradicating crimes in communities is community policing. In his words, “Natives of various communities are familiar with their places.

“If they are trained and motivated to secure their areas, it will be difficult for any criminal activities to succeed. That is why we continue to advocate community policing.”

A lawyer and security expert, Barr Hyacinth Ezeme, however, said community policing required legislation, adding that, “But where such requires legislation and other processes, community stakeholders should empower their able-bodied men to secure their environments.

“It is all about employing them as local vigilantes, not voluntarily. In some places, vigilantes are not regulated. They should be profiled and engaged professionally with commensurate remuneration. Our conventional security agencies are overwhelmed in terms of number. They can’t secure every settlement in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Mr Aka Eze Aka, on Tuesday, distributed some motorcycles to neighbourhood watch groups in the area to enhance their responses to security emergencies. He advised the youth to desist from crimes and look for sustainable means of livelihood.

Experts Advocate Training For Vigilantes To Combat Insecurity is first published on The Whistler Newspaper