By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, on Wednesday convened a high-level strategic security conference with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and recognised security stakeholders across the state, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen law enforcement coordination and enhance public safety.
The meeting, held at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, brought together representatives of Man O War, Anti-Cult Units, the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, Tropical Human Rights, Anioma Security Watch, and various recognised vigilante groups operating within Delta State.
The conference was aimed at reviewing the prevailing security situation in the state, improving operational synergy, and reinforcing structured collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and community-based security organisations.
In his address, CP Aina Adesola commended vigilante members and community security volunteers for their continued support in the fight against crime, particularly in the area of grassroots intelligence gathering and community surveillance. He acknowledged their contributions to enhancing safety at the local level.
However, the Commissioner made it unequivocally clear that the authority for any vigilante operative to carry firearms rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force. He stressed that no vigilante group has the independent right to bear arms without proper Police authorisation and supervision.
CP Adesola further directed that vigilante groups and affiliated security organisations must operate strictly within the framework of the law and under the supervision of the Police. He emphasised that all security activities — including patrols, raids and suspect handling — must be coordinated with the Divisional Police Officers in their respective jurisdictions to ensure accountability and legality.
On the issue of detention, the Police Commissioner issued a stern warning, stating that vigilante groups have no legal authority to detain suspects under any circumstances. He ordered that any individual apprehended by vigilante members must be promptly handed over to the nearest Police Division for lawful investigation and processing.
Addressing concerns about integrity within vigilante formations, CP Adesola cautioned against the infiltration of criminal elements into community security structures. He noted that individuals affiliated with confraternities or criminal associations cannot genuinely claim to be fighting crime, adding that “the devil cannot fight the devil.” He urged such individuals to renounce unlawful affiliations if they sincerely intend to support legitimate security efforts.
The Commissioner also called for unity and cooperation among the various vigilante and community security groups, warning that rivalry or fragmentation could undermine collective security objectives. He encouraged prioritisation of intelligence gathering and timely information sharing with the Police as critical tools for effective crime prevention.
The conference ended with a renewed commitment to strengthen synergy between conventional Police formations, tactical units and recognised community security stakeholders, while upholding professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the rule of law.
CP Aina Adesola reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state, assuring residents of sustained, coordinated and lawful security operations aimed at maintaining peace, stability and public order.
SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
Police Public Relations Officer,
Delta State Command, Asaba.