ARMED VIGILANTE SERVICES AND INSECURITY: A LEGAL QUAGMIRE

Abstract

The rise in terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, murders and other related crimes in recent years has led to security challenges which affect the daily lives of citizens often leading to loss of business and properties in Nigeria. The various law enforcement agencies tasked with providing security and maintaining law and order for Nigerians are often, overwhelmed, overworked and underpaid which leads to lack of zeal, passion and numeric strength to effectively secure lives and properties in addition to other duties. This study examines the roles of these agencies and the laws that empower them to carry out their duties. Employing the doctrinal research methodology, this article aims to explore the concept of vigilantism and the legality of armed vigilante services. It analyzed the trends which have led to a rising insecurity problem in Nigeria and the controversy surrounding some of the popular vigilante groups. This is with a view to appreciating the necessity which gave birth to the rise of armed vigilante groups and the effectiveness of these groups in some geo-political zones. This researcher opines that armed vigilante has become a necessary effort due to the rising insecurity in Nigeria despite the challenges involved. This researcher further opines that though armed vigilante services is a welcome development, it needs to be regulated properly monitored and supervised to ensure that the purpose for which they were set up is actualized to wit; to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. This paper finds that there is need to prevent proliferation of armed groups across the nation as it poses a potent threat to national security.