Group urges Delta CP to disband civilian anti-cult, federal hunters, vigilante groups over alleged misconduct

The National Coordinator of the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, has called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, to disband the operations of Civilian Anti-Cult, Federal Hunters and Vigilante groups operating as autonomous bodies in the state.

Agberen made the call on Thursday in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, alleging that the groups have engaged in unprofessional conduct and misconduct, particularly during odd hours, and should be made to operate strictly under police supervision.

He urged the Delta State Police Command to ensure that the groups are attached to recognised police tactical units and restricted from conducting night patrols across the state.

According to Agberen, the groups allegedly collect money for bail on the road without the knowledge or approval of their commanders or any police division in areas where they claim to be supporting security operations.

“They reportedly collect money for bail on the road, without the knowledge or approval of their commanders or a police division,” he said.

He further alleged that the groups operating in Udu, Warri South, Ughelli North and South, Okpe and Sapele Local Government Areas are all implicated in the reported activities.

“I have personally observed the recovery of money from suspected civilian groups, collected as bail, both within and outside police divisions in the area, without the knowledge or authorisation of the police,” Agberen stated, adding that this reflects inadequate supervision by senior police personnel.

Agberen also accused vigilante operatives in several communities of engaging in extortion, alleging that they violently demand money from motorcycle and tricycle riders beyond the ticket levies imposed by their respective unions.

He claimed that numerous police divisions are aware of, and have allegedly encouraged, these practices, noting that members of the public often find it difficult to identify the operatives during midnight operations due to their attire and use of masks.

While acknowledging the importance of community policing and the role of such groups in supporting security efforts amid manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force, Agberen warned that “it is imperative that the situation is not exploited,” especially as the groups have allegedly resorted to unlawful arrests of citizens under the pretext of late night movements.