The Commander, Presidential Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, has urged the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to provide timely and credible intelligence to the military to help tackle insecurity.
Onasanya said grassroots intelligence gathered by vigilante groups was critical to the success of security operations, warning that military operations could be undermined without reliable and timely information.
The VGN Commander-General, James Udoma, led a delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Presidential Guards Brigade in Abuja, where Onasanya made the call.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the VGN spokesman, Igho Akeregha, the brigade commander said: “If we continue conducting operations without timely and credible intelligence, it will not be good for security stability.
“This is where we need the cooperation of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to help us with reliable and credible intelligence.”
Onasanya added: “Any information the VGN has, please share it with us. We will act on it. We will work with you to eradicate the proliferation of light and small arms in the country.”
The brigade commander commended VGN members for their sacrifices and contributions to security operations, saying the military was ready to strengthen its collaboration with the group.
He said: “The VGN is an important partner and we are ready for more joint operations with you. We will however ensure that your men are not put in harm’s way as we will do all we can to protect them during future operations.”
Onasanya also disclosed that threats had emerged ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged the VGN to report any perceived threat to national security.
He said: “The period that we are in, there are people who have made up their minds to destabilise Nigeria and we will not allow that to happen.”
He assured VGN personnel participating in joint operations with the Guards Brigade that their welfare would receive adequate attention.
Earlier, Udoma said the visit was aimed at briefing the brigade commander on the activities of the group and his recent appointment as Commander-General of the VGN following the death of his predecessor, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (retd.).
Udoma commended the Presidential Guards Brigade for its role in protecting the President and the First Family and securing the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the VGN’s presence across all 774 local government areas gave the group access to grassroots information that could support conventional security agencies.
Udoma said: “I consider this visit very important in view of the special role of the PGB in ensuring national security.
“I appreciate the great efforts of the Commander Guards Brigade in providing visionary leadership that is keeping the Federal Capital Territory, which is the seat of power safe for all residents.”
He noted that although the Police remained the lead agency for internal security, the VGN could complement the efforts of security agencies through its grassroots presence.
