Cross River’s new VGN commandant Bassey Ogar resumes office

The new Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Cross River State Command, Dr Bassey Moses Ogar, has assumed office.

Ogar was posted to Cross River State as VGN Commandant on 24th February 2024, after the dissolution of the Cross River State Executive Committee and removal of the former state commandant, Mrs Mercy Felix Effiom, by the National Headquarters of the VGN, Abuja.

In his posting letter with reference no 008/VGN/NHQ/ Vol1/131, dated 19th February 2024, and signed by the National Chairman/ Commandant General of VGN, Navy Captain Umar Bakori (Rtd), and copied to the State Governor, State Commissioner of Police, and State Director of DSS, said the posting is in line with the VGN constitution and aims to ensure the continued effectiveness and progress of the organisation in the state.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Monday by Martha Nyong, State Public Relations Officer of the VGN, Dr Bassey Ogar was born on 19th June 1972, in Effraya, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, holds a Bsc in Political Science and Public Administration, State University of New York, Albany, U.S.A, a masters degree in International Relations
and Doctorate degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the prestigious Prowess University, Delaware U.S.A.

Throughout his career, Dr Bassey Moses Ogar has served in different capacities in the VGN.

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Some notable positions he has held include the division Vigilante Officer of Etung local government area Cross River State, promoted and appointed as Chief Superintendent of Vigilante (CSV) in charge of five local government of the Central Senatorial District made of Abi, Boki, Etung, Obubra, Ikom and Yakurr LGA, of Cross River State.

In 2023, Dr Bassey Moses Ogar was appointed by the National Executive Council of Vigilante Group of Nigeria as the Assistant Command of Cross River State Command
on the 9th day of February 2024, he was appointed as Chairman and State Commander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria Cross River State by the National Executive Council of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, amongst others.

Dr Ogar is a fellow of the Institute Of National Security And Intelligence Studies (INSIS), the Institute of Arts Professional (IAPS), and the Institute of Arts Management and Professional Studies (IAMPS). He was appointed a fellow of the Ecolerite Institute of
Peace advancement (FEPIA).

According to the VGN Spokesman, the new Commandant seeks the support and cooperation of the general public in combating crime in the state and is also committed to implementing proactive policing strategies and community policing to ensure adequate safety of lives and property in the state.

Ntong added that the new Commandant, who is happily married with children, loves conference presentations, farming, community services, leadership coaching, writing, and travelling.

In another development, the Cross River State Commandant of the VGN, Mr Bassey Moses Ogar has advocated for the need to work with other security agencies for a well-coordinated response to insecurity in the state.

Ogar made the advocacy in his maiden address to officers and men of the VGN at the state headquarters in Calabar on his assumption of office.

The State Commandant said that on his watch, respective unit commands and tactical units must reposition officers and men for an improved and better security service delivery in the state.

Ogar also charged officers to be more responsive and committed to duty and directed the creation of training officers at the unit levels to retrain officers serving in the divisions in areas of community policing duties, unarmed combat and otherwise.