Police to review vigilante group activities, as 3 arrested in Damaturu

Police to review vigilante group activities, as 3 arrested in Damaturu

By: Our Reporter

The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Garba Ahmed, has called for a review of the registration and activities of the vigilante outfits in the state, acknowledging their important role in complementing security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality. 

He, however, said the call for a review of their activities was made following the arrests of three (3) members of a local security outfit (vigilante) for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, burglary, receiving, and trading in stolen properties in Damaturu.

A statement from DSP Fungus Abdul Karim said this development is a result of a series of complaints about the untoward actions of some of those outfit members, as another incident was recorded. 

“On June 27, 2024, the Police Response Unit (Haba Maza) responded to a distress call from a shop owner in Damaturu who had employed vigilante members for guard duties, and the vigilante members carted away the shop’s property worth a large sum of money without explanation. 

“Investigation led to the arrest of Ibrahim Mohammed, 24, and Hassan Umar, 25, who were found in possession of some stolen materials. The suspects implicated another vigilante member in the crime, who was immediately arrested. 

“The public is advised to be vigilant in recruiting personal security guards and reporting criminal elements posing as vigilante members.” The statement said:. 

The statement further stated that the command is developing a strategic plan for proper documentation and supervision of Divisional Police Offices regarding vigilante activities in their jurisdiction.

“In this vein, the Commissioner of Police urges the public to continue supporting their Divisional Police Stations, report unscrupulous security personnel activities to the state headquarters through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) at 07068858500, or address your complaint’s letter to the Commissioner of Police through the PPRO.” The statement was added. 

Police to review vigilante group activities, as 3 arrested in Damaturu