Blessing Omale, Abuja
..As former DSS boss warns against rising risks of vigilante groups nationwide
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said he cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting the state without his knowledge or clearance.
The governor issued the warning in a statement on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, titled, “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
Alia cautioned that anyone planning to visit Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state must first seek approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency.
The statement read, “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.
“He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”
He also warned against visits that could result in political gatherings without prior approval, urging security agencies and the public to take note and maintain peace and order.
He added, “For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.
“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA.
“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”
..As former DSS boss warns against rising risks of vigilante groups nationwide
However,As insecurity continues to spread across Nigeria, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sir Dennis Amachree, has raised serious concerns about the increasing reliance on vigilante groups in the country.
In a speech titled “The Role and Risks of Vigilante Groups in Nigeria,” Amachree acknowledged their growing influence, especially in rural areas where formal law enforcement is either limited or absent.
According to Amachree, the emergence of these groups is largely a response to the nation’s security vacuum, particularly in regions plagued by armed herders and banditry.
In an attempt to fill these security gaps, some state governments have sanctioned the formation of local vigilante outfits.
These groups are seen by many communities as a necessary line of defense against criminal elements.
“Vigilantes are increasingly being used to address insecurity, especially where the presence of state security agencies is lacking.
“But while they may offer immediate relief, they also present long-term risks that cannot be ignored”, Amachree said.
Amachree noted that while vigilantes can help improve community-level crime prevention and offer grassroots solutions to insecurity, their operations often raise serious human rights concerns. Cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and abuse have been linked to some of these groups, largely due to their lack of formal training and oversight.
“The danger lies in the fact that many vigilante members are not trained in policing techniques.
“Without proper understanding of the law, due process, and human rights, their actions can quickly spiral into acts of violence and injustice”, he explained.
The absence of a clear legal framework and accountability mechanisms further compounds the risk. With no defined chain of command or reporting system, abuses by vigilante members often go unpunished, undermining public trust in security efforts.
To address these challenges, Amachree urged state governments and security stakeholders to implement structured training programs for vigilante members.
They should focus on key areas such as human rights, community policing principles, and conflict resolution.
He also stressed the need to establish reporting systems to track vigilante operations and ensure transparency.
“Vigilantes must understand that their role is to apprehend suspects—not to judge or execute them,” he said.
Amachree emphasized that while strengthening community security structures is important, it is equally critical to address the underlying causes of violence.
He identified poverty, unemployment, and social inequality as key drivers of insecurity and called for more robust economic empowerment and social intervention programs.
Furthermore, he highlighted the divisive role of ethnic and religious tensions in fueling violence across the country.
“Nigeria’s lack of social cohesion and the deepening of ethnic divides are major contributors to our insecurity.
We must build a sense of shared identity and patriotism if we are to find lasting peace”, he said.
As Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats, Amachree’s warning offers a sobering reminder that while vigilante groups may provide short-term solutions, their unchecked growth could pose long-term dangers to human rights, justice, and national unity.
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