Vigilantes operating in Warri and surrounding areas in Delta State have been cautioned against using excessive force on civilians.
The warning was issued by the Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Mr. Imade Graham, while addressing members of the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Friday.
The police chief emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration with the NUJ to maintain order in Delta communities. He also disclosed that vigilantes in Warri and its environs would undergo “necessary orientation on community policing to inject sanity into their operations.”
While commending the vigilantes for their efforts in curbing insecurity within their communities, the Area Commander expressed concern over the excesses of some vigilantes, particularly when their actions negatively impact the public.
“There is no reason or legal backing for vigilantes to use excessive force on any civilian. This will certainly be addressed to the roots”, he said, adding that “They should not be a nuisance to members of the public.”
The Area Commander promised to “talk to the Divisional Police Officers to monitor the excesses of vigilantes including their ways of dressing as some impostors claim to be police officers.”
He said, “Orientation shall be conducted for them. They are voluntary bodies helping us in the areas of curbing crimes.
“They are not expected to set up roadblocks, or operate especially along the expressway, without the presence of policemen.
Orientation shall be conducted for them and we will look at all these.”
He however noted with delight that “crime statistics dropped considerably” in Warri and its environs in recent times and attributed the development to “proactive policing” by the officers and men.
In the fast-approaching Ember months, the Police Area Commander disclosed that an operation order had already been set up by the Command.
“Certainly, we are going to follow them wholeheartedly to ensure there is safety within Warri and environs generally”, he assured.
