Women Form All-Female Vigilante Group to Tackle Rising Insecurity in Plateau

A group of young women, comprising both Christians and Muslims, has formed an all-female vigilante outfit to combat violence, theft, and drug-related crimes due to rising insecurity and crime in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, leader of the group, told Reuters on Wednesday that the initiative was prompted by escalating insecurity and its growing impact on communities in the city, once regarded as one of the safest in the country.

Emmanuel explained that the outfit brings together women willing to forego personal comfort to safeguard their children and neighbourhoods, citing repeated failures of government security agencies to adequately protect residents.

“The group was formed as a grassroots effort to enhance community safety and stability and to support men in providing auxiliary security structures,” she said.

She added: “We have been able to help reduce theft, drug abuse, and other vices.”

Reports indicate that the vigilante team currently comprises around 20 women from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds, highlighting a rare instance of religious unity in a region often marked by tension.

The women conduct nightly patrols between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., focusing on areas deemed most vulnerable to crime. Emmanuel acknowledged the risks involved, noting that some members have been injured, while others have received threats.

“One of our members was warned by hoodlums that she could be made to disappear if she continued her involvement,” she said. Despite these dangers, Emmanuel emphasised that the group’s mission is to support community security rather than replace formal law enforcement.

She also expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition, noting that local government officials only visited the team weeks ago, despite months of active operations.