Allegations of harassment, extortion, and violent abuse by rogue members of local vigilante groups in northern Nigeria are stirring public concern over their growing role in worsening insecurity and banditry, residents and victims have said.
In one of such disturbing incidents, a Fulani man, whose location has been withheld for safety reasons, narrated how he was brutally attacked by vigilantes after failing to meet their extortion demand.
The victim said the vigilantes descended on him shortly after he purchased a motorcycle. When asked to pay ₦10,000, he explained that he could only afford ₦2,000 at the time.
He said, “Immediately, one of them became furious and started beating me. Others joined in, beating me into a coma. They also stole my ₦40,000 and a power bank.”
He was later rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment and was discharged. However, despite reporting the incident to authorities, he said no action was taken, and none of his stolen belongings were recovered.
The victim also revealed that the same vigilante members now mock him publicly.
“There is no justice. They walk freely and laugh at me when I pass by. This is what people face every day,” he said.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama, in a post on 𝕏, warned that the unchecked actions of rogue vigilantes may further erode public trust in law enforcement and embolden criminal elements.
“When citizens see that those who enforce law with impunity go unpunished, it can fuel retaliatory crimes and strengthen the cycle of banditry,” he said.
Despite growing reports of abuse, there has been no known disciplinary action or regulatory effort to rein in the activities of these vigilante groups.
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