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, Tactical Commanders and key security stakeholders across the state, warning vigilante groups against unlawful detention and unauthorised bearing of arms.
The meeting, held on February 11, 2026, 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 recognised vigilante groups operating within the state.
The Command stated that the conference was aimed at reviewing the prevailing security situation, strengthening operational coordination and reinforcing structured collaboration between the police and community-based security organisations.
Addressing participants, CP Adesola commended vigilante members and community security volunteers for supporting law enforcement efforts, particularly in grassroots intelligence gathering and community safety initiatives.
However, he made it clear that the authority for any vigilante member to carry firearms rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force.
He stressed that no vigilante group has an independent right to bear arms without police authorisation and supervision, warning that any deviation from this directive would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner further directed that vigilante groups and affiliated organisations must operate strictly under police supervision. He said all security activities, including patrols and handling of suspects, must be coordinated with Divisional Police Officers within their jurisdictions to ensure legality and accountability.
On detention of suspects, CP Adesola issued a firm warning, declaring that vigilante groups have no legal right to detain any individual under any circumstance.
He ordered that any suspect apprehended by vigilante members must be immediately handed over to the nearest police division for proper investigation and lawful processing.
The police boss also raised concerns over alleged infiltration of vigilante structures by individuals linked to confraternities and other criminal associations.
He cautioned that persons involved in unlawful groups cannot genuinely claim to support crime-fighting efforts, urging such individuals to renounce any criminal affiliations if they intend to participate in community security initiatives.
CP Adesola called for unity among the various vigilante and community security outfits in the state, noting that rivalry and fragmentation weaken collective security outcomes.
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He emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and timely information sharing with the police as critical tools for crime prevention.
The conference ended with renewed commitments to deepen synergy between conventional police formations, tactical units and recognised community security stakeholders, while upholding professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the law.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across Delta State and assured residents of sustained, coordinated and lawful security operations aimed at maintaining peace and public order.
