Public Assessment of the Role and Effectiveness of Vigilante Security Group in Crime Management in Anyigba Community, Kogi State

This study investigates the role and effectiveness of vigilante security groups in crime management in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 386 respondents to address five key objectives: examine the prevalence of crime in Anyigba;
Identify the roles of vigilante security groups in crime management; assess the strategies employed by vigilantes in combating crime; explore public perception of the effectiveness of vigilante groups; and examine the challenges confronting vigilante operations in crime control. Findings reveal that crime is a frequent and pressing issue in Anyigba. About 91.2% of respondents confirmed awareness of crime in the area, with 60.1% describing its occurrence as very frequent, especially at night. The most common crimes reported were burglary (24.6%), armed robbery (19.7%), theft (16.1%), and
kidnapping (14.5%), with young males identified as the main offenders (54.4%). Vigilante groups were found to play vital roles in community surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid incident response, with mean scores ranging from 3.5 to 3.6. Their strategies include regular patrols (86%),
engaging local informants (80.3%), use of native tracking skills (80.6%), and dividing the community into security zones (83.2%). Public perception of vigilante effectiveness is generally positive, with over 90% acknowledging their role in deterring crime and preferring them for their compared to formal police. However, 94% of respondents also expressed concerns over human rights abuses such as extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions. Major challenges faced by vigilantes include inadequate funding (82.4%), lack of training (80.8%), insufficient equipment (76.4%), and lack of legal recognition (70.7%). The study recommends formal government
recognition of vigilante groups, improved training, better funding, provision of modern
and structured collaboration with formal law enforcement to enhance their effectiveness.