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.
The meeting 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 registered vigilante groups operating within Delta State.
The engagement focused on reviewing the prevailing security landscape, enhancing operational coordination, and reinforcing structured collaboration between the Police and community-based security organisations.
In his address, CP Adesola commended vigilante members and community security volunteers for their continued support in crime prevention efforts, particularly in grassroots intelligence gathering and neighbourhood surveillance.
He acknowledged their contributions to maintaining safety at the community level.
The Commissioner, however, reiterated that the authority to bear arms remains the exclusive prerogative of the Nigeria Police Force.
He emphasised that no vigilante group or individual has an independent right to carry firearms without express authorisation and supervision by the Police.
He further stressed that all vigilante and affiliated security groups must operate strictly within the framework of the law and under Police oversight.
According to him, security activities including patrol operations and suspect handling must be coordinated with the appropriate Divisional Police Officers to guarantee accountability and legal compliance.
Addressing the issue of detention, CP Adesola issued a firm directive that vigilante groups have no legal authority to detain suspects under any circumstances.
He instructed that any individual apprehended by vigilante members must be promptly handed over to the nearest Police Division for lawful processing.
The Commissioner also raised concerns about integrity within community security structures, cautioning against the infiltration of criminal elements.
He warned that individuals affiliated with confraternities or criminal groups cannot credibly participate in lawful security operations and urged members to renounce any unlawful associations.
Emphasising unity and cooperation, CP Adesola called on all community security groups to avoid rivalry and fragmentation, noting that collective efforts are critical to achieving sustainable security outcomes.
He encouraged prioritisation of credible intelligence gathering and timely information sharing with the Police as key tools in crime prevention.
The conference concluded with renewed commitments to deepen synergy between conventional Police formations, tactical units, and recognised community security stakeholders, anchored on professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
CP Adesola reaffirmed the Delta State Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and assured residents of sustained, coordinated, and lawful security operations aimed at maintaining peace and public order throughout the state.
