The House of Representatives Committee on Army has called for the professionalization and regulation of vigilante groups across Nigeria to address the rising incidents of jungle justice and lawlessness within communities.
Babajimi Benson, the Committee Chairman and member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, made this call in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday in Abuja, following the shocking killing of 16 northern hunters by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State, which has caused national outrage and demands for justice.
Benson underscored the urgent need for a reform in Nigeria’s security infrastructure, suggesting the establishment of state police forces to strengthen local law enforcement and reduce the military’s involvement in civilian security matters.
“The tragic killing of 16 hunters in Edo highlights the critical need for a restructuring of our security framework. Establishing state police is not just an idea—it is an essential security measure,” he emphasized.
He further noted that numerous vigilante groups operate without formal training, regulation, or coordination with national security policies, creating opportunities for abuses of power and extrajudicial actions.
“To prevent incidents like this, vigilante groups must undergo proper training and be subject to oversight. The introduction of state police will decentralize security, allowing for local officers who are well-trained, accountable, and integrated into a broader national security strategy,” Benson explained.
The lawmaker also pointed out the fragmentation within Nigeria’s security sector, revealing that licensed private security personnel now outnumber the combined forces of the Nigerian Army and Police.
However, these private security groups remain largely disconnected from any cohesive national security plan.
“This level of disorganization creates dangerous vulnerabilities. A fragmented security network cannot safeguard a nation of over 200 million people,” Benson warned.
He stressed that the military should focus on its primary constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, rather than becoming involved in civil law enforcement, which would be better managed by local or state police forces.
“State police, with access to local intelligence and cultural understanding, would be better suited to manage community security issues like banditry, violence, and vigilante abuses,” Benson added.
Citing the example of Haiti, where the lack of a coordinated internal security system allowed non-state actors to rise to power, Benson warned Nigeria to learn from such international cases to avoid similar challenges.
“We must take proactive steps to prevent a similar situation from unfolding here in Nigeria,” he cautioned.
Benson concluded by reaffirming the House Committee on Army’s commitment to advancing reforms that will include the establishment of state police, robust oversight, and a unified national security framework.
“With proper oversight and legislative backing, these reforms will help rebuild public confidence, enhance security at the community level, and protect citizens’ lives and property.”
In the wake of the killings, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, visited Kano—the home state of many of the victims—where he pledged to bring justice and provide compensation to their families.