Why the Programme Is Necessary
Families and communities often employ informal security personnel without adequate identification or background information. The programme helps households and communities confirm the identity of persons in sensitive security positions and reduce the risk of criminals hiding under false identities.
The programme covers
- Maiguards and gatemen.
- Street and neighbourhood security personnel.
- Recognised vigilante members.
- Other informal security workers protecting homes, estates, streets and communities.
How the System Works
1. Free Registration
Informal security personnel download BOOSTAR and complete the Register Vigilante form. Information may include identity, photograph, telephone number, residence, place of duty, employer, guarantor, previous employment and relevant affiliation.
2. Community Registration Period
The DPO, PCRC and recognised vigilante leadership provide a public registration period. Under the current notice, affected personnel receive two weeks to register free before routine verification begins.
3. Routine Physical Verification
Authorised Police, PCRC and recognised vigilante representatives use Verify Vigilante to confirm registration, identity match, employer/community connection and whether further review is required.
4. Verification and System-Query Charge
Registration is free. At the point of verification, the person requesting or responsible for the verification pays ₦500 for data access and the system query. This is not a registration fee.
Role of Households and Employers
- Ensure every gateman or informal security worker registers.
- Confirm that information is accurate and maintain basic employment and guarantor records.
- Avoid employing persons who refuse identification or verification.
- Report suspicious conduct to the Police.
- Protect personal information and update records when a worker leaves or changes location.
Benefits
- Reduces anonymous employment of informal security personnel.
- Makes it harder for wanted persons to hide under false identities.
- Supports early reporting and accountability.
- Strengthens cooperation among residents, PCRC, recognised vigilantes and the Police.
- Provides useful identification information when an incident occurs.
Privacy and Responsible Data Use
Personal information must be used only for legitimate community-security and verification purposes. Access should be restricted to authorised users, and records must not be publicly shared, sold or used to discriminate.