As 2025 winds to a close, one man stands at the center of Lagos’ grassroots security architecture, Dr. Temitope Odubela, the Assistant Commander for Anti-Robbery, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command. With an impressive list of security qualifications, Doctor of Security Intelligence (DSI), Professor of Security Intelligence (PSI), Private Investigator (PI), Close Protection Officer (CPO), and Private Protection Agent (PPA). Dr. Odubela commands with both expertise and experience.
In a candid conversation, he reflects on the outgoing year, the achievements of his officers, and the evolving threats challenging Nigeria’s security landscape.
2025: A Tough Year, A Firm Stand
Looking back, Dr. Odubela describes 2025 as “remarkable, though full of ups and downs.” Yet the vigilante unit under his watch has recorded significant victories—particularly in curbing transformer cable theft, nighttime street crimes, and drug abuse among youths.
“We went after cable thieves aggressively. The incidents reduced drastically,” he says.
Their collaboration with the NDLEA has also helped reduce the circulation and abuse of illicit drugs. “Most youths are indulging in drug abuse. We’ve tried our best, and NDLEA is also doing well by going after the big dealers.”
Why Nigeria’s Security Challenges Persist
For Dr. Odubela, the roots of Nigeria’s insecurity run deep. He traces the crisis back to political decisions from previous administrations.
According to him, political actors once hired foreign mercenaries from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso for electoral disruption—and failed to retrieve the weapons supplied to them.
“That was how banditry and kidnapping became the business of the day,” he explains. “They realized the money in ransom, ₦20m, ₦50m, ₦100m, so they abandoned legitimate work.”
But he believes the current government’s early steps signal hope.
“One major step is withdrawing 11,000 policemen serving VIPs and returning them to core duty. We need manpower to protect lives, not just escort politicians.”
On the Frontlines: Where Vigilantes Enter First
While federal agencies receive the spotlight, vigilante officers often do the most dangerous work, entering terrains many security personnel avoid.
“When there is a criminal hideout, we enter. No place is off-limits for us,” he says proudly.
With an intimate knowledge of local terrain, VGN officers frequently lead operations, with police providing backup.
However, he insists that government support remains inadequate.
“Most times we do foot patrol. No mobility. I use my personal vehicle, repairing it almost every week. Imagine facing armed robbers with AK-47s while we carry pump-action guns.”
Despite the odds, he describes his men as “gallant, strong, and always ready to lay down their lives.”
Leadership, Sacrifice, and Welfare
At the Ojokoro Command, Dr. Odubela has cultivated a culture of brotherhood and welfare support.
“I can’t afford to see my officers sick. We take care of their health. Their lives matter to me,” he states firmly.
Much of their funding comes from special duties, private security assignments, and night guard services.
“If not for that, how would the boys cope?” he asks.
Their upcoming End-of-Year Thanksgiving and Award Ceremony is a celebration of survival and dedication.
“From January to December, we didn’t lose any officer. That alone is worth thanking God for,” he says.
Outstanding officers will receive medals and awards to encourage them for the coming year.
The Heart of His Message: Intelligence Sharing
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Odubela emphasizes one thing above all,intelligence sharing.
“No police or DSS or Army can secure Nigeria alone,” he warns.
“Once information is shared between all security agencies, the police, army, navy, air force, civil defence, hunters, and vigilantes, we can secure our territory.”
He calls on Nigerians to contribute too:
“Security is everybody’s job. We are not spirits. If residents give us accurate reports, we act.”
With officers willing to serve and communities eager for safety, he believes a secure Nigeria is possible, if collaboration becomes the norm.