NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES MULTI-LEVEL VIGILANTE CORPS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SECURITY.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
24 December 2025.
MINNA–In a decisive move to further safeguard lives and property, the Niger State Government has approved the establishment of a multi-level Vigilante Corps as part of a comprehensive, community-based security framework aimed at complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies across the State.
The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, disclosed this while addressing members of the Committee for the Review of the Niger State Vigilante Corps at a meeting held in the Conference Hall of the Office of the SSG, Minna.
According to him, the new security architecture provides for the establishment of Vigilante Corps at the State, Local Government and Emirate levels, designed to strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats and deepen community participation in safeguarding public safety.
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Alhaji Usman explained that the Office of the SSG, the Ministry of Homeland Security, relevant security agencies and Emirate Councils have been directed to immediately work out a comprehensive operational framework to guide the formation, coordination and effective functioning of the Vigilante Corps at all levels.
He further revealed that the State Government has resolved to review the existing law establishing the Niger State Vigilante Corps in order to align it with the newly approved security structure. He emphasized that implementation of the reforms would commence immediately, even as the process of legislative amendment is underway.
On recruitment and professionalism, the SSG stressed that only individuals of proven integrity, good character and sound community standing would be recruited after rigorous screening. He added that all successful recruits would undergo standardized training at designated zonal centres to ensure uniform operational standards across the State. The Government, he said, would also provide standardized uniforms and operational equipment, clearly differentiated by Emirate Council to promote identity, accountability and discipline.
In addition to the Vigilante Corps, Alhaji Usman announced the approval for the establishment of a Metropolitan Security Watch to address urban security challenges, Joint Task Force checkpoints to enhance inter-agency collaboration, and a Security Agencies Media Advocacy Platform to strengthen public enlightenment, information sharing and citizen cooperation on security matters.
To further consolidate community engagement, the SSG disclosed that the Government has approved the holding of periodic security town hall meetings at the Emirate level.
These forums, he said, would serve as platforms to brief citizens on security interventions, receive feedback and sensitize communities on their roles in promoting peace and stability, alongside other developmental initiatives of the State Government.
He also revealed that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, working closely with Local Government Council Chairmen, has been directed to place security matters at the top of their priorities, noting that effective local governance is critical to addressing security challenges at the grassroots.
Expressing concern over reports of involvement of some traditional institutions in illegal mining activities, Alhaji Usman directed that all such activities must cease immediately, pending the establishment of a properly regulated and transparent framework that aligns with the law and protects the interests of the State.
As part of broader enforcement measures, the SSG disclosed that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have been directed to clamp down on vehicles without number plates and ensure full compliance with traffic regulations. He added that the Nigeria Immigration Service has been tasked with intensifying internal surveillance to check the activities of illegal aliens, while the Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to ensure thorough scanning of inland-bound containers at all ports and entry points.
The meeting ended with a strong appeal to residents of Niger State to support and cooperate fully with security agencies and the State Government, stressing that security is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all citizens.
Signed:
Lawal Tanko
Coordinator, Press Affairs
Office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State
24 December 2025
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 24TH 2025)
