An Evaluation on the Effectiveness of Vigilante Groups in Crime Prevention in Lapai Local Government

ABSTRACT The rise of community-based security initiatives has underscored the need to evaluate the effectiveness of vigilante groups in crime prevention, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where formal law enforcement may be limited. This study investigates the role and effectiveness of vigilante groups in crime prevention wvithin Lapai Local Government, Nigeria.By examining the strategies employed by these groups, the study aims to assess their impact on local crime rates, community trust, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from crime records and qualitative insights from interviews with community members, vigilante group leaders. and local authorities. Findings indicate that vigilante groups contribute significantly to deterring crime through rapid response and local intelligence, though challenges such as limited resources, lack of formal training, and occasional instances of excessive force affect their overall efficacy. The study concludes with recommendations for improving the functionality of vigilante groups through structured training, collaboration with formal police forces, and enhanced resource allocation. This evaluation contributes to understanding the role of informal security actors in rural crime prevention and offers insights for policy reforms aimed at strengthening community safety frameworks. Keywords: Vigilante groups, crime prevention, community security, Lapai Local Government, Nigeria, informal security