Salary Of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) (2025 Updates)

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) is a community-based security organization that collaborates with formal security agencies to maintain law and order. Information on their salary structure is limited and varies significantly by state, local government, and funding availability. Below is a detailed overview based on available data:

Salary Structure

• General Overview: The VGN operates largely on a voluntary basis in many areas, meaning some members receive no consistent salary. In regions where local or state governments provide support, members may receive modest allowances.
• Reported Salaries:
  • In Anambra State, a 2016 protest by VGN members revealed they were owed eight months of salaries at ₦10,000 per month (approximately $20–$30 USD at 2025 exchange rates). This suggests a baseline for lower-ranking members in some states.
  • Across states with formal recognition, salaries depend on rank and funding:
    • Lower-ranking officers (e.g., Field Officers): ₦10,000–₦30,000 per month.
    • Higher-ranking officers (e.g., Commanders): ₦40,000–₦60,000 per month.
  • In Kogi State, a 2025 report indicated that Governor Ododo increased vigilante salaries to ₦119,000 per month, though this appears to be an exception and may reflect a state-specific initiative.
• Allowances and Entitlements:
  • In some regions, members receive transport allowances, stipends for patrols, or hazard allowances to compensate for risks.
  • Equipment costs (e.g., uniforms, tools) may be covered by state governments or deducted from allowances.
• Funding Challenges: As an NGO, the VGN relies on donations, state support, or community contributions, which often leads to irregular payments. Protests over non-payment, like in Anambra, highlight this issue.

Ranks and Hierarchy

The VGN has a basic hierarchical structure, though not as formalized as military or police forces:

• Commanders: Lead operations at state or local levels.
• Divisional Officers: Oversee specific zones or units.
• Supervisors: Manage smaller teams.
• Field Officers: Perform grassroots patrols and security tasks. Salaries increase with rank, but exact figures are inconsistent due to regional variations.

Regional Variations

• State Recognition: In states like Anambra, Lagos, or Oyo, vigilante groups (e.g., Anambra Vigilante Service, Amotekun) are formally recognized, leading to better funding and salaries. For example, Amotekun in Oyo has been praised for reducing crime, with state-backed allowances.
• Unrecognized Units: In areas without government support, members may work voluntarily or receive minimal community-funded stipends.
• Northern Nigeria: Groups like the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the Northeast, which combat Boko Haram, often receive stipends from state governments or military support, but specific figures are unavailable.
• Kogi State Exception: The reported ₦119,000 salary in Kogi suggests a unique state-level investment in vigilante services, possibly tied to political priorities.

Challenges

• Irregular Payments: Non-payment for months, as seen in Anambra, is a recurring issue due to inadequate funding.
• Lack of National Framework: The VGN lacks a standardized nationwide salary structure, unlike federal agencies like the Nigeria Police Force. A 2022 bill to formalize VGN operations excluded federal salary funding, leaving compensation to states.
• Voluntary Nature: Many members join for community service rather than financial gain, as salaries are often insufficient for livelihood.
• Risks vs. Rewards: Vigilantes face significant dangers (e.g., confronting armed criminals, Boko Haram), but their low pay does not reflect these risks.

Comparison to Formal Security Forces

• Nigeria Police Force: Non-commissioned police officers earn ₦48,113–₦62,204 monthly, while commissioned officers earn ₦87,200–₦1,234,450.
• Nigerian Army: Non-commissioned army officers earn ₦58,000–₦90,000, while commissioned officers earn ₦120,000–₦1,500,000.

  VGN salaries, where provided, are significantly lower, reflecting their informal status and limited funding.

Recruitment and Requirements

• Eligibility: Candidates typically need a West African School Certificate (WASC) or equivalent. Retired ex-service personnel with lesser qualifications may also apply.
• Background Checks: Applicants undergo vetting for criminal history, morality, and community ties.
• Motivation: Emphasis is on patriotism and willingness to serve, as financial incentives are minimal.

Legal and Policy Context

• VGN Establishment Bill (2022): Passed by the National Assembly, it aims to formalize VGN’s role in community policing but does not mandate federal salary funding.
• State-Level Recognition: States like Anambra and Lagos have laws recognizing vigilante groups, which improves funding and oversight.
• Concerns: Unregulated vigilante groups risk human rights abuses or ethnic tensions, prompting calls for better training and oversight.

Conclusion

The salary for vigilantes in Nigeria is generally low and inconsistent, ranging from ₦10,000–₦60,000 per month in most states, with Kogi’s ₦119,000 as an outlier. Payments depend heavily on state government support, and many members work voluntarily due to funding shortages. While the VGN plays a critical role in grassroots security, its members are underpaid relative to the risks they face. For the most accurate and updated information, contact local VGN offices or state security agencies, as salary structures may evolve with policy changes.

Note: Some sources, like Glassdoor or ZipRecruiter, refer to “vigilante” salaries in other contexts (e.g., U.S. security firms), which are irrelevant to Nigeria’s VGN. These were excluded to avoid confusion.