Residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are increasingly paying out of pocket for security as gaps in formal policing continue to widen.
In many satellite towns and fast-growing suburbs, households now contribute monthly fees to sustain vigilante groups and private guards. What started as a temporary fix has evolved into a survival strategy.
Despite the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property, many residents say local arrangements now offer more reliable protection.
Rising Insecurity Forces Community Action
Communities such as Tungan-Maje, Pegi, and parts of Gwagwalada have experienced repeated security threats, including burglary and kidnapping.
Residents say these incidents pushed them to organise and fund local security systems.
In some areas, tenants contribute between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000 monthly, while landlords pay even higher fees. These funds are used to hire vigilantes, install gates, and maintain patrol operations.
A resident in Tungan-Maje said the initiative has reduced crime significantly, with no reported kidnapping cases in over two years.
Cost of Security Adds to Economic Pressure
While the system has improved safety in some areas, it has also increased the cost of living.
In Kubwa and Bwari, residents contribute between ₦500 and ₦3,000 monthly, depending on the arrangement. In gated communities like Gwarinpa, security fees are sometimes added to annual rent, reaching up to ₦12,000 yearly.
For business owners, the cost is even higher. Some spend up to ₦100,000 monthly on private guards, in addition to community levies.
For low-income earners, these payments come with difficult trade-offs. One resident noted that even ₦1,000 could mean sacrificing basic needs like food.
Vigilante Groups Fill Security Vacuum
Vigilante groups say their operations rely heavily on community funding.
They maintain that their role is to support, not replace, formal security agencies. However, limited funding and poor equipment continue to affect their effectiveness.
Security analysts link the growing reliance on vigilantes to manpower shortages and rapid urban expansion in Abuja.
Concerns Over Accountability
Despite their role, concerns remain about accountability.
Some security officials warn that suspects are not always handed over to the police, with cases of extrajudicial actions raising concerns.
Experts recommend stronger collaboration between communities, vigilantes, and security agencies.
Police Promise Improved Response
The FCT Police Command has acknowledged the concerns and promised better response times.
Officials say emergency calls will be addressed within five minutes, with improved coordination between control centres and field officers.
Authorities also revealed plans to recruit more personnel to improve coverage across communities.
The Bigger Picture
As Abuja continues to expand, security infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.
This has left residents funding their own protection, turning security into a shared community responsibility rather than a government service.
While some residents see the system as effective, others believe it reflects a failure in public security.
Story credit: Dailytrust
