The police have given the vigilante operating in Plateau power to arrest anyone trying to breach the peace in the State. Plateau State police Commissioner (CP) Chris Olakpe empowered the vigilante on Thursday at the inauguration of the Neighbourhood Watch team in Jos. The commissioner said the nod was given to the vigilante so as to encourage community policing and reduce crime.

He charged them to hand over any suspect that may be arrested to the police and reminded them that it was only the police who have got power to prosecute suspects. He said the role of the vigilante is to provide information to the police and urged them to be diligent in performing the task while re-echoing the support of the police.

The police have given the vigilante operating in Plateau power to arrest anyone trying to breach the peace in the State. Plateau State police Commissioner (CP) Chris Olakpe empowered the vigilante on Thursday at the inauguration of the Neighbourhood Watch team in Jos. The commissioner said the nod was given to the vigilante so as to encourage community policing and reduce crime.

He charged them to hand over any suspect that may be arrested to the police and reminded them that it was only the police who have got power to prosecute suspects. He further said the role of the vigilante is to provide information to the police and urged them to be diligent in performing the task while re-echoing the support of the police.

The Divisional police officers across the state were also directed to give identification badges to each member of the vigilante while monitoring their activities. The police commissioner charged the DPO’s to ensure that foreigners and people of questionable character are not included in the team. He said that chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas in the State are fully aware and urged everyone to work for the success of the scheme.

By Augustine Ishaku

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Plateau crisis: Police gives vigilante power to arrest trouble makers