Edo State Launches New Vigilante Group to Boost Security Efforts

The Police Zone 5, covering Delta and Edo States, has launched a new vigilante group aimed at enhancing community security in Edo State.

The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police for Zone 5, Arungwa Nwazue, inaugurated the Edo State Police Vigilante Group (ESPVG) on Monday, according to a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh.

The AIG stated that the ESPVG will work closely with the police to strengthen local security efforts, primarily through improved information gathering and collaboration on crime prevention.
This new initiative seeks to reinforce community confidence in local law enforcement, especially in rural areas where police presence may be limited.

In his statement, AIG Nwazue emphasised the importance of community involvement in security matters, urging residents to actively support the police and the newly established vigilante group. “Their cooperation will be vital in ensuring the effectiveness of this new initiative,” he added.

The establishment of the ESPVG follows the recent disbandment of the former vigilante group in Edo State by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ahead of the September 21 governorship election. The former group was dissolved to pave the way for a more structured and regulated security network in the state.

The operational guidelines for the new vigilante group will be provided soon, as authorities work on establishing protocols to enhance the collaboration between the ESPVG and law enforcement agencies for more effective policing across Edo State.