Nigeria, Feb. 17 -- It was gathered that the said vigilante leader, Mr. Chibuike Duru (also known as Nwamgbenta), operates an illegal detention facility, extorting residents, especially market women, as well as exercises unlawful authority over civil and criminal matters in the community in the absence of effective police presence.

Further reports allege residents are subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention, and victims are required to pay money for release and even to deliver food to detainees.

Some residents also alleged that the armed vigilantes under Duru openly carry prohibited weapons, while at least two deaths have been linked to the operations of the group in recent months.

The News Chronicle correspondent reports that, wh...