By Fanayajo Ranti Margaret
The Anti-Robbery Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command, AC ODUBELA TEMITOPE, has attributed his success in community security operations to professionalism, continuous training, discipline and a strong commitment to protecting lives and property.
AC ODUBELA TEMITOPE, who operates from the Ojukoro area of Lagos, disclosed this during an interview Thetochlightafrica. com. While reflecting on his three-and-a-half years of service with the VGN and his experiences in community-based security operations.
According to him, his years in the organisation have exposed him to several security challenges, including community disputes, criminal activities and drug-related cases, many of which have been successfully resolved through professional intervention.
He explained that cases beyond the capacity of the VGN are referred to appropriate government security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for further action.
“We have been able to handle so many issues and resolve them. The ones we cannot resolve, we take to the police, while drug-related matters are referred to the NDLEA,” he said.
‘I Was Born Into a Security Family’
TEMITOPE said his decision to pursue a career in security was strongly influenced by his family background, describing himself as someone who was “born into a security family.”
He revealed that several members of his extended family had served in senior positions within Nigeria’s security architecture, including the police, customs and immigration services.
He noted, however, that before joining the VGN, he deliberately pursued various security-related courses to broaden his knowledge and improve his capacity to manage security situations.
According to him, the training has significantly influenced his approach to conflict management and community policing.
“Whenever you see me handling any issue, it is because of what I have learnt from the various courses I have attended. The professionalism speaks through the way I handle issues and communicate,” he stated.
Patrols, Community Engagement and Crime Prevention
The commander said the VGN team under his watch has adopted different patrol strategies, including foot, motorcycle and vehicle patrols, as part of efforts to maintain security within their operational areas.
He said the organisation’s presence and activities had contributed to improved security in Ojukoro and other parts of Lagos where his team operates.
AC Temitope also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, although he noted that coordination between vigilante groups and other security agencies can sometimes present challenges.
He particularly called for better cooperation during joint operations, stressing that security personnel must maintain professionalism and mutual respect while carrying out their duties.
Recognition for Professional Service
Speaking on the awards and commendations he has received from different organisations, ODUBELA said the recognitions were not solicited but came from people who had observed his conduct and that of his team during security assignments.
He said some of the organisations that contacted him had monitored his team’s activities at public events, particularly their management of crowds, traffic and human movement.
“People tell us they have watched how we work and how our men are dressed. They see the way we manage crowds, traffic and human movement, and they appreciate our professionalism,” he said.
He also attributed part of the team’s improved operational capacity to security training facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
He expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the organisation Dr Ogunsan Ayodele for the training, saying the knowledge acquired had continued to benefit his team in their daily operations.
Balancing Security Duties and Family Life
The commander admitted that combining his responsibilities as a husband, father and security commander is challenging.
He disclosed that his duties often require him to remain awake at night to monitor his personnel and respond to emergencies.
According to him, his communication radio remains active even when he is at home, enabling him to respond whenever his officers require his attention.
“There are times when we go on patrol and I don’t return until about 5:30 in the morning. When there is an emergency, my boys call for my attention, and I have to respond because we are out there to protect lives and property,” he said.
He acknowledged the understanding of his wife and family, noting that the demands of security work often require personal sacrifices.
Logistics: ‘It Is One of Our Major Challenges’
TEMITOPE identified logistics as one of the major challenges confronting volunteer security operations, particularly the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.
He explained that the team relies partly on internally generated resources and voluntary support to sustain patrol operations, medical needs and maintenance of patrol vehicles.
According to him, his officers also contribute what he described as “office charges,” which are used to support operational expenses.
He stressed, however, that such contributions are kept separate from officers’ salaries.
The commander said members of the public sometimes voluntarily support the team financially after observing their work, but emphasised that his officers do not demand money from members of the public.
“We don’t demand. Anything you give, no problem. Some people may say, ‘I have this ₦3,000; let me support you people.’ We appreciate it and say thank you,” he explained.
He added that the rising cost of fuel means that patrol operations can require significant financial resources, but said his faith and the support of well-meaning individuals had helped the team remain operational.
Advice to Nigerian Youths
TEMITOPE urged young Nigerians to shun idleness, drug abuse and criminal activities, stressing the importance of proper upbringing and productive engagement.
He said parents have a major role to play in shaping the character of their children and should combine discipline with understanding.
“Home training is very important. If it is absent, the boys can misbehave. Parents need to strike a balance between discipline and being relaxed,” he said.
He further advised young people to acquire skills, remain productive and use their talents positively instead of allowing themselves to be drawn into criminal activities or drug abuse.
“They are the future leaders of tomorrow. My advice is for them to use their productive brains to do the right thing at the right time,” he stated.
For Temitope, the responsibility of community security goes beyond patrols and crime prevention. It requires discipline, continuous learning, teamwork, sacrifice and a commitment to serving society.
His experience, he maintained, demonstrates that effective community security is strengthened when personnel combine professional training with discipline, community engagement and a genuine commitment to protecting lives and property.