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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Vigilante excesses fuel insecurity, victims allege extortion and assault in northwest Nigeria |
| 2025-12-09 |
Text: by Zagazola Makama Allegations of harassment and extortion by rogue vigilante members in parts of northern Nigeria are provoking apprehension about their unintended role in fueling insecurity and banditry, residents and victims say. In a recent incident, a Fulani man, whose location was withheld for security reasons, narrated how he was attacked by local vigilantes after failing to pay an extortion demand of N10,000. The victim explained that he had just purchased a motorcycle and could only offer N2,000. “Immediately one of them became furious and started beating me,” he said. “Others joined in, beating me into a coma. They also stole my N40,000 and a power bank.” The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, treated, and discharged. He reported the incident to the relevant authorities, but no action was taken, and neither his money nor the stolen item was returned. He said the vigilante members continue to mock him when he passes by, highlighting a lack of accountability. The rogue activities by self-styled vigilantes risk undermining public confidence in law enforcement and may encourage criminality. “When citizens see that those who enforce law with impunity go unpunished, it can fuel retaliatory crimes and strengthen the cycle of banditry,” an expert said. No concrete actions has been taken to curb such abuses and or enforcement of accountability among security auxiliaries. |
| Posted by:badanov |