VGN tasks personnel on national security
Ani Bassey
The Cross River State Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Dr Bassey Moses Ogar has charged field commanders and officers to intensify their preparedness and regularly review contingency plans.
The Commandant gave the charge while declaring open the first National Unarmed Combat Training (NUCT) 2023/2024 for VGN officers in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
He said the training exercise is aimed at equipping security personnel with modern non- kinetic, combating as well as defensive and offensive techniques to demobilise insecurity and allow for a peaceful environment for growth and development to thrive.
He emphasized the need for the VGN to adapt to the changing security landscape, which now includes threats beyond traditional security challenges.
He said that the training would provide a platform for experts to share insights on contemporary security issues and propose solutions to enhance the VGN’s operational effectiveness.
He urged the officers and men to focus on developing capabilities to effectively tackle emerging security issues and build a robust ‘future force.’
The training centred on key aspects of surveillance, tactical manoeuvre in crime fighting without arms and leadership essential for operational efficiency in complex environments.
He thanked the Commandant General of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Navy Captain Abubakar Umar Bakori Rtd for the approval of the security training for Cross River State Command.
Also speaking, the National Director of Sports and Training, Grandmaster Ebose Michael highlighted the importance of aligning with command philosophy to transform the Vigilante Group of Nigeria into a well-trained and highly motivated force towards achieving their responsibilities within a hostile environment.
The national director emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas among the officers and men to address operational challenges.
Speaking in separate interviews shortly after the training, participants thanked the Commandant General of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Navy Captain Abubakar Umar Bakori Rtd and the state Commandant for the training programme which they say has highly impacted and enhanced their proficiency in unarmed combat.
The paramilitary officers say though they are not yet permitted to bear arms, they are now equipped with techniques in martial arts and taekwondo to fight crime at the grassroots level.
At the end of the training, participants were issued with a basic course certificate in Unarmed Combatant Training.
