Lagos State Vigilante Group (Nigeria)

Country: Nigeria
Details of Formation: The group was formed by state government in September and received legal backing in November 1996.
Details of Termination: --
Purpose: The vigilantes were created by the state government of Lagos to reduce crime and to act as local neighborhood watches.
Organisation: The PGM received payments from the state government, in particular from the Ministry of Rural Development, but was locally organized. It carried out joint operations with the police.
Weapons and Training: The militia received payments and weapons from the state government to fulfil their tasks which included tear gas and handcuffs.
Size: The militia had about 3,000 members.
Reason for Membership: No information.
Treatment of Civilians: Militiamen have targeted criminals and robbers during attacks which led to multiple deaths. Furthermore, deadly clashes with students were reported. The militia has extorted money from civilians as a means to gain income.
Other Information: No information.
References: Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD.