LSSTF Revives Vigilante Group Operations, Aligns VGN with Lagos Security Agenda

LSSTF Revives Vigilante Group Operations, Aligns VGN with Lagos Security Agenda

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has pledged institutional support to the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command, in a renewed effort to strengthen community-based security operations across the state.

The commitment was made during a strategic engagement held on Monday, March 2, at the LSSTF headquarters in Ikeja. The meeting brought together the Fund’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, and the VGN Lagos State Commander, Sesan Oguntunde, alongside senior officers of the command.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, Commander Oguntunde outlined the structure and operational footprint of the VGN nationwide. He described the group as a voluntary organisation recognised by the Federal Government, though not salaried by it.

According to him, the VGN maintains a strong presence in northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, with a national body and a Southwest Command headquartered in Abeokuta, Ogun State. In Lagos, however, the group has struggled with formal recognition despite operating across several communities.

“When we started in Lagos, we had about 7,000 men, but the number has reduced to about 4,000,” Oguntunde said. “We have been seeking Lagos State recognition for a long time but haven’t gotten it until today. We appreciate this support.”

He addressed concerns over allegations of misconduct in the past, noting that many members of the group are trained by the Nigeria Police. He attributed incidents of jungle justice to untrained individuals and stressed that the current leadership has adopted a more professional approach.

“What we do now is to hand over suspects to the Police. To ensure accountability, we are ready to report details of suspects apprehended, including their names, alleged offences, and the police stations where they are transferred,” he stated.

In his response, Dr. Ogunsan assured the VGN of LSSTF’s readiness to support its integration into Lagos’ security framework.

“We will revive you in Lagos,” he said. “By Friday, we will provide you with an operational vehicle. You will also get operational bikes if we can see your impact in Lagos, as that may be more effective for your operations.”

He emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and community policing, urging the group to provide accurate data on its operational strength in the state to enable the Fund present a realistic proposal to the Governor.

“We need intelligence-led community policing from you. Let us know your staff strength in Lagos so we can present something concrete to the Executive Governor,” Ogunsan added.

The LSSTF boss also cautioned the group against internal divisions, warning that factionalisation could undermine the renewed partnership. He advised that all vehicles to be provided must be serviced through channels approved by the Fund rather than by roadside mechanics.

The meeting signals a significant step toward reinforcing grassroots security collaboration and aligning volunteer security initiatives with Lagos State’s broader security agenda.

Other officers in the VGN delegation included Deputy Commander DC Ogunbowale Taofiki; Deputy Commander DC Olushola Awe; Assistant Commander (Administration) AC Ashafa Opeyemi; and Assistant Commander (Intelligence) AC Ekundayo Gabriel.