Vigilante Groups: Protectors or Predators?

There is a growing trend by states and local communities to establish vigilante groups and non-formal policing organisations to complement the efforts of security agencies in crime detection and prevention in the state.  Modern vigilantism in Nigeria had emerged in the context of political marginalisation and heightened criminality over two decades ago, with examples such as Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Bakassi Boys, Anambra Vigilante Group, Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch, Civilian Joint Task Force in the Northeast, etc.  However, while some vigilante organisations operate within the ambit of the laws, others flout such laws and even perpetuate the crimes they are supposed to fight. Following this double-edged sword character of vigilantism in Nigeria, this edition of Nextier SPD Weekly examines the attractions of, and objections to, vigilante organisations as well as makes recommendations for better engagement of the civic militias. …

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