VGN Raises Alarm Over Southwest Spread of Banditry, Commends Ogun's Security Strategy

The Ogun State Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Aare Olusola Shodiyan, has raised the alarm over what he described as the gradual spread of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism from northern Nigeria to the South-West, South-East and South-South, urging governments, security agencies and residents to intensify preventive measures before the situation deteriorates.

Speaking during an interview with NSTV International, Aare Olusola Shodiyan said the migration of criminal elements from conflict-ridden northern states has made the southern region increasingly vulnerable to insecurity. He commended South-West governors for establishing Amotekun, describing the regional security outfit as a timely intervention that has helped curb the activities of kidnappers and bandits across the region.

The VGN Ogun commander disclosed that the Vigilante Group of Nigeria played a strategic role in the conceptualisation and operational development of Amotekun, stressing that community-based security outfits remain indispensable because of their ability to gather credible local intelligence and provide operational support to the military, police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies.

According to Aare Olusola Shodiyan, Ogun State has remained one of the safest states in Nigeria because Governor Dapo Abiodun adopted a proactive security strategy rather than waiting for criminal attacks before responding. He noted that following reports of attacks on schools in neighbouring states, the government immediately inaugurated the School Protection Task Force, bringing together the military, police, Amotekun, VGN, the Ministry of Education and other security stakeholders to secure schools across the state.

He revealed that intelligence supplied by traditional rulers, market women, commercial motorcyclists and community leaders has enabled security agencies to prevent several kidnapping attempts in Odeda, Yewa, Obafemi-Owode, Sagamu and other parts of Ogun State. He added that the close collaboration among the VGN, police, DSS, military and Amotekun has continued to frustrate criminal operations before they materialise.

Aare Olusola Shodiyan urged Nigerians to embrace community policing by promptly reporting suspicious movements and unfamiliar faces within their communities. He also called on security personnel to remain professional at checkpoints, warning that kidnappers often disguise themselves in security uniforms and exploit negligence to move victims across locations.

The VGN commander identified poverty, unemployment and poor access to education as major drivers of terrorism and banditry, advocating free and compulsory primary and secondary education, scholarships for outstanding students and improved youth empowerment programmes as long-term solutions to insecurity.

Commending NSTV International for its commitment to factual and responsible journalism, Aare Olusola Shodiyan encouraged the station to expand its coverage beyond Nigeria to other African countries. He noted that credible media organisations remain critical partners in promoting public awareness, combating misinformation and supporting national security through accurate and timely reporting.