THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN VIGILANTE ON CRIME CONTROL IN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

Security is one of the basic necessities of life, it is indispensable for the survival of any society. This study examines The Role of the Nigerian Vigilante Groups on Crime control and Preventions in Mangu L.G.A of Plateau State. This study adopted a quantitative and qualitative approach in its data collection process. A questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. The study was conducted in six selected study clusters: Mangu 1, Gindiri 1, Kombul, Pushit, Kerang, and Mangun Halle and a total of 116 participants completed the questionnaire. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data was analyzed through the thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that the vigilante help in reducing the rate of crime, the findings also indicates that the vigilante use local made weapons, night patrols, wooden sticks and whip to punish offenders as strategies to control and prevent crimes, the findings also revealed that the vigilante lack professional training, funds and other operational equipment, the findings also revealed that the vigilante needs assistance from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and also members of the public. Based on the findings, recommendations have been made which will assist the Nigerian government to acknowledge the existence of the informal security agency known as the Vigilante group and provide the Vigilante with necessary support and encouragement in order to fill the vacuum left by the formal agencies.