Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, has convened a high-level strategic security conference with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and recognised security stakeholders across the state, reaffirming that vigilante groups have no authority to detain suspects or bear arms without police approval.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, brought together representatives of Man O War, Anti-Cult Units, the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service, Tropical Human Rights, Anioma Security Watch, as well as various recognised vigilante groups operating within Delta State.
Addressing participants, CP Adesola said the conference was convened to review the prevailing security situation, strengthen operational coordination and reinforce structured collaboration between the Police and community-based security organisations.
He commended vigilante members and community security volunteers for their support in the fight against crime, particularly in the area of grassroots intelligence gathering and community safety.
However, the Commissioner made it clear that the authority for any vigilante member to carry firearms rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force.
“No vigilante group has an independent right to bear arms without Police authorisation and supervision,” he stated.
CP Adesola further stressed that vigilante groups and affiliated organisations must not operate outside the purview of the Police.
He directed that all security activities, including patrols and the handling of suspects, must be properly coordinated with Divisional Police Officers within their respective jurisdictions to ensure legality and accountability.
On detention, the Police Commissioner issued a stern warning, declaring that vigilante groups have no legal right to detain any individual.
“It is illegal for vigilante members to detain a suspect under any circumstance,” he said, directing that anyone apprehended by vigilantes must be immediately handed over to the nearest Police Division for lawful processing.
The Commissioner also raised concerns about membership integrity within some vigilante structures.
He cautioned that individuals affiliated with confraternities or criminal associations cannot legitimately claim to fight crime.
“In his words, the devil cannot fight the devil,” he remarked, urging members with unlawful affiliations to renounce such associations if they genuinely intend to support lawful security efforts.
Calling for unity among the various community security outfits, CP Adesola warned that fragmentation and rivalry weaken collective security outcomes.
He urged all groups to prioritise intelligence gathering and timely information sharing with the Police as critical tools for crime prevention.
The conference ended with renewed commitments to strengthen synergy between conventional Police formations, tactical units and recognised community security stakeholders, while upholding professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the law.
CP Adesola reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Delta State, assuring residents of sustained, coordinated and lawful security operations aimed at maintaining peace and public order.
The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe.
