How vigilantes’ abuses fuel insecurity in North West

Reports of harassment, extortion, and violent attacks by rogue vigilante members in parts of northern Nigeria are raising fresh concerns about their growing role in worsening insecurity and sustaining cycles of banditry, victims and residents have alleged.

In one recent case, a Fulani man—whose location is being withheld for safety reasons—recounted how he was brutally assaulted by local vigilantes after refusing to meet their demand for N10,000.

He explained that he had just bought a motorcycle and could only afford to offer N2,000.

“One of them immediately became angry and started beating me,” he said.

“Others joined in and beat me until I fell into a coma. They also stole my N40,000 and my power bank.”

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, treated, and discharged.

Although he reported the matter to authorities, he said no action was taken and neither his money nor his belongings were recovered.

He added that the same vigilante members now mock him whenever he passes, reflecting what he described as a climate of impunity.

Security analysts warn that unchecked abuses by vigilante groups—originally created to support law enforcement—could further erode public trust and contribute to criminality.

“When law enforcers operate with impunity and face no consequences, it can provoke retaliatory crimes and deepen the cycle of banditry,” one expert noted.

So far, no concrete measures have been taken to curb such abuses or enforce accountability within these auxiliary security groups, leaving affected communities increasingly vulnerable.