Anambra Police to Train Vigilante Groups on Professionalism

In a significant move aimed at fortifying grassroots security, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has granted approval for the Nigeria Police Command in Anambra to embark on a comprehensive training programme for local security outfits in the state. This landmark initiative is designed to address a long-standing challenge in Nigeria’s security architecture—the disconnect between a centralized, federal police force and the informal, community-based vigilante groups that have often served as the first line of defense against crime. The training, focused on enhancing professionalism and collaboration, is seen as a crucial step toward building a more coordinated and effective security network in a state grappling with complex security challenges, including a recent history of banditry and other criminal activities.

The proliferation of local security outfits in Nigeria is a direct consequence of the perceived inability of the formal police force to adequately secure lives and property, particularly in rural and remote areas. In Anambra, as in many other states, vigilante groups have long filled this security vacuum, with many communities preferring their local, and often more responsive, services over the official police. The Anambra State Vigilante Service, for instance, operates with a legal mandate to assist the Nigeria Police in crime prevention and detection. However, the relationship has historically been marked by a level of distrust, with concerns over accountability, human rights abuses, and a lack of proper training for many of these local operatives. This new training initiative, according to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, is a direct response to these systemic issues, aiming to bridge the gap and foster a truly synergistic relationship between the two security structures.

The training programme is expected to be comprehensive, moving beyond basic tactical skills to instill a deeper sense of professional conduct and ethical responsibility. The modules are likely to cover key areas such as the legal framework for security operations, the proper use of force, and, crucially, fundamental principles of human rights. According to the police command, local operatives will also be trained in more modern methods of intelligence gathering and effective community engagement. The objective is to transform these local guards from ad-hoc security providers into a professional, well-oriented, and reliable extension of the formal security apparatus. Such training is vital, as a lack of professional skills often leads to preventable altercations and unlawful acts, which can, in turn, erode public trust and escalate tensions in the community.

At the heart of this initiative is a powerful human insight into the state of security in Nigeria—the “conspiracy of silence.” The Anambra police PPRO, SP Ikenga, highlighted this as a major hurdle to effective policing, where citizens, out of a pervasive fear of the unknown, often withhold vital information from law enforcement. This deep-seated distrust has made it difficult for police to receive the intelligence necessary to prevent crime. The proposed training for local outfits is designed to be a remedy for this problem. By training community-based security officers on the principles of neighborhood watch and the importance of fostering trust, the police hope that these local operatives can serve as a bridge to the community. In a state preparing for a significant governorship election, this is particularly critical. A more secure, stable, and trusting environment is essential to a peaceful electoral process and the long-term security of the state.

The approval from the Inspector-General of Police himself signals that this is not just a localized effort but a key component of a broader national strategy to implement community policing. For years, the concept of community policing has been discussed as a solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, but its implementation has often been disjointed and inconsistent. This new, top-down approval for a state-level initiative demonstrates a serious commitment from the highest levels of the police force to empower local partners. It acknowledges that the police, operating from a central command, cannot effectively police every single community. The local security operatives, with their intimate knowledge of the terrain and their community, are indispensable assets. This training is a crucial step towards equipping them with the skills to match their local knowledge and become true partners in maintaining law and order.

In conclusion, the decision to train local security outfits on professionalism represents a pivotal moment in Anambra’s security journey. It is an acknowledgment that a multi-faceted approach, one that integrates both formal and informal security structures, is the most viable path to achieving lasting peace and stability. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating how a commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and public trust can bridge the gap between security agencies and the people they are sworn to protect. By equipping local operatives with the skills to serve with respect and effectiveness, the Anambra Police Command is not just training security officers; it is rebuilding the very foundation of public confidence in the fight against crime.