We’re not established to compete with police, says VSO Commander

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By Olusola AJIBIKE (Abeokuta)

NIGERIA: FOR clarity purposes, the Vigilante Service (VSO) of Ogun State has given reason for its establishment by the government.

The organisation said that the basic reason is to complement the roles of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies towards effective war against criminals and crimes in the society.

The Commander of the VSO, Soji Ganzallo, gave this clarification at a two-day orientation programme for the newly appointed commanders for local governments held at the Vigilante Academy, Ilaro.

Ganzallo explained while delivering a lecture entitled “A Virile Outfit: Understanding the Ethos and Ethics of Vigilante Service of Ogun State,” that there was no basis for any supremacy tussle between VSO and the police.

According to him, officials of the service have to right to detain a suspect, an action which should be left to the police as it’s their responsibility.

He told VSO officials that after arresting any suspect, such person should be handed over to the police, cautioning that the rights of the people must not be trampled upon at every point.

“We are to complement the roles of the police and other security agencies, and we are not to engage in supremacy tussle,” Ganzallo said.  “All arrest must be handed over to the police.”

He stressed: “We have no right to detain a suspect, but have right to arrest, and thereafter transfer to police.  We don’t operate a cell, so we should not detain.”

The VSO boss counselled his men that a minimal force should be use to arrest, but they must ensure the need to be civil and not embark on torturing of suspects.

“We cannot afford not to work with the police,” he said, adding: “If we do our work diligently, we will not have problem with the police. We must act without fair or favour.”

Ganzallo also disclosed that it has become mandatory for all community guards in the state to undergo training with the service, adding that in this regard the VSO had already concluded arrangements with the Ministry of Community Development that henceforth his men would be posted as guards to all communities.

“We have collaborated with Ministry of Community Development in ensuring that our men are now to guard all communities in the state,” the Commander said.

He stressed: “Already, we are manning state government institutions, which include newly established model schools.”

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