THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY VIGILANTE GROUPS IN CURBING KIDNAPPING IN SOUTHERN TARABA SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Kidnapping has emerged as one of the most persistent security challenges in contemporary Nigeria, with the Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State experiencing a disturbing rise in incidents. This study evaluated the role of community vigilante groups in combating kidnapping in the study area. A cross-sectional survey design was used based on Broken Window Theory and Routine Activity Theory. A sample size of 410 respondents was selected from vigilante groups in Wukari, Takum and Ibi Local Government Areas using the Cochran formula with stratified random sampling. A mixed methods approach was used: structured questionnaires (5‑point Likert scale) and key informant interviews of five vigilante leaders. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to calculate mean scores, standard deviations, and ordinal logistic regression at p<0.05. The findings show that vigilante groups play important roles, community policing (Mean=3.46, SD=1.42), neighbourhood watch (Mean=3.44, SD=1.41), crime prevention through patrolling (Mean=3.24, SD=1.47), and emergency response (Mean=3.20, SD=1.47). Ordinal logistic regression found a statistically significant positive association between vigilante roles and perceptions of community security (p<0.05, Odds Ratio=2.12). However, 57% of respondents said their security was not fully guaranteed, even with vigilante presence, indicating a key effectiveness gap. Vigilante groups are facing challenges of inadequate funding (Mean=3.34, SD=1.45), lack of formal training (Mean=3.34, SD=1.40) and inadequate government support (Mean=3.62, SD=1.57). The study concludes that although vigilante groups are important actors in preventing kidnapping, their potential is severely limited by resource constraints and weak institutional integration. Recommendations include formalisation of vigilante groups, sustained funding, capacity building programmes, and enhanced collaboration with state security agencies.