Frequently Asked Questions

No. We are a voluntary community security organisation that works in support of the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory agencies. Our members have no police powers. Where a matter requires arrest, investigation or prosecution, it belongs with the police and the courts, and we hand it over.

A member may restrain a person caught in the act of committing a crime, and must hand that person to the police immediately. A member may not hold, question, search, discipline or punish anyone. If you are being held by a member for any period beyond immediate handover to the police, that is misconduct — report it.

No member may carry any firearm or weapon that is not expressly licensed and authorised by law. Our doctrine is minimum force, and members are trained to withdraw and call the police rather than escalate. If you see a member carrying an unauthorised weapon, report it.

No. We are non-partisan. Members may not campaign, endorse candidates or display party material while identifiable as members, and membership confers no political office. Partisan conduct is a disciplinary offence.

Submit the expression of interest form, or collect a paper form from your ward unit or state command. You will need identification, two passport photographs, proof of residence in the ward, and a recommendation from a referee. Screening includes a police records check.

No. There is no application fee, no screening fee and no processing fee. No officer, member or agent is authorised to collect money from an applicant. If anyone asks you for money, refuse and report it.

Membership is voluntary community service. Arrangements for allowances or welfare support vary between commands and are made locally — ask your state command what applies in your area, and get the answer in writing.

Yes. Membership is open to any Nigerian aged 18 or above who meets the character, residence and fitness requirements. Women members are particularly important for community engagement, school liaison, and any duty involving women and children.

Every member has a registration number, a numbered identity card, and a photograph on file at the state command. Ask to see the card and note the number. You may verify a number with the state command. Anyone who cannot produce identification is not a member — treat the claim as false and report it.

Do not pay. Members may not collect levies, fines or “settlements” from the public under any circumstances. Note the name or registration number if you can, and file a report. This goes to the Provost Marshal, and where it discloses a criminal offence, to the police.

We do not disclose a complainant’s identity to the person complained about without the complainant’s knowledge. You may also report anonymously — the report is still recorded and acted on, though we cannot come back to you for detail or tell you the outcome. Be aware that if a matter reaches the police or a court, the law governs disclosure from that point, not us.

Yes. Contact your state command. Establishing a ward unit normally involves the traditional authority, the residents’ association or market union, and the divisional police officer for the area.

Yes — ward leaders and command officers speak at residents’ associations, market unions, schools and places of worship on crime prevention and reporting channels. Request a speaker with your date and location.

The Nigeria Police Force on 112. Always call them first when life or property is in immediate danger. Our hotline, 0803 347 2665, is for non-emergency reports and is monitored during office hours.