The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee has introduced a code of conduct barring members of the vigilante groups operating in the various communities in the territory from using prohibited firearms.
The committee has in the newly established code of conduct for members of the vigilante group, also prohibited them from carrying out any operation without the presence of the police or the express approval of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in their respective jurisdictions.
However, members of the vigilante are permitted to possess and use weapons for self-defence or other lawful purposes as allowed by the DPO.
This was part of the decisions reached by the FCT security committee at its 11th meeting, presided over by the Minister Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, held Thursday in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja.
Similarly, the new approved code requires that any member of the group, who recovers a hazardous weapon from a criminal suspect is expected to keep a detailed account and report to the police for further investigation.
The committee empowers the vigilante group to make arrests of anyone, who violates the laws of the land as allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
It agreed that any community desirous of establishing a vigilante group should apply and obtain the approval of the DPO within the locality.
