FCTA issues code of conduct prohibiting use of firearms by Vigilante groups

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Security Committee has issued a Code of Conduct to Vigilante groups operating in the various communities prohibiting them from the use of firearms in the territory.

These decisions were reached after by the FCT Security Committee at its 11th meeting, presided over by the Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, held Thursday, in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja.

In a statement issued today by Muhammad Hazat Sule, Director, Information & Communications, the newly established Code of Conduct prohibites Vigilante groups from carrying out any operation without the presence of the police or the express approval of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in their respective jurisdiction.

However, members of the Vigilante are permitted to possess and use weapons for self-defense or other lawful purposes as allowed by the DPO, the statement specified.

Similarly, the new approved code required that any member of the group, who recovers a hazardous weapon from a criminal suspect, is expected to keep a detailed account and report to the police for further investigation.

Furthermore, vigilante groups are permitted to make arrests of anyone, who violates the laws of the land as allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The code of conduct also states that any Community desirous of establishing a Vigilante group should apply and obtain the approval of the DPO within the locality, adding

On the recruitment of members of the vigilante group, the FCT Security Committee resolved that the process must be supervised by the Community Accountability Forum (CAF) /Security Committee of the community concerned.

The CAF is to ensure a fair representation of all segments of society and avoid religious, political, and ethnic persuasion, adding that those to be recruited must be properly profiled by the community leaders and Security agencies.

The FCT Administration said it encourages communities to form vigilante groups to complement the work of security agencies, especially in gathering intelligence and boosting the fight against criminals.