By Grace Okon
In a bid to strengthen grassroots security architecture and enhance professionalism among local operatives, the Anambra State Police Command has commenced an intensive training and orientation programme for vigilante groups across the state, with a strong emphasis on human rights, ethical standards, and lawful engagement.
The training, which is being conducted in phases across the three senatorial zones, is part of a broader strategy by the Nigeria Police Force to deepen community policing and foster greater inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
Speaking on the initiative on Thursday ,the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, said the exercise aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at ensuring that all security actors, particularly at the community level, are adequately equipped with the knowledge of the law and respect for fundamental rights.
“This programme is designed not only to build the capacity of vigilante operatives but to instill in them the discipline, professionalism, and legal consciousness required in today’s evolving security landscape,” Orutugu said.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the training features a diverse pool of facilitators, including senior police officers, representatives of sister security agencies, human rights advocates, and civil society experts. These resource persons are engaging participants on topics such as community safety strategies, intelligence gathering, ethical conduct, and standard operating procedures in law enforcement.
Ikenga noted that the command remains committed to institutionalizing a rights-respecting and law-abiding security environment, adding that vigilante groups must work closely with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to ensure seamless supervision and coordination.
“We are promoting a model where local security outfits complement formal policing without resorting to extra-legal methods. Vigilante operatives are being trained to operate within the boundaries of the law while maintaining community trust,” he added.
The Police Command further called on all community-based vigilante groups to remain cooperative and supportive of the ongoing exercise, stressing that a coordinated and rights-based approach to local security is critical to sustainable peace and development in the state.
