# Nigerian Vigilante Group Pulaku Praised for Security, Accused of Torture

> Pulaku, a predominantly Fulani vigilante group in Nigeria, is credited with fighting crime but also faces serious allegations of human rights abuses, including torture.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-26T15:18:37.898444Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/nigerian-vigilante-group-pulaku-praised-for-security-accused-of-torture-41a68f3f

Pulaku, a predominantly Fulani vigilante group with over 500 members in Nigeria's Adamawa and Taraba States, faces accusations of torture and illegal detention despite being recognized for combating cattle rustling and kidnapping [14][15]. This situation highlights the complex role of vigilante groups in Nigeria, where they often fill security gaps but also raise serious human rights concerns, reflecting a broader challenge to formal law enforcement and justice in the region [7][5][6].

## The Records Show
Founded by Fulani leaders in Adamawa State approximately 10 years ago, Pulaku's initial purpose was to protect communities from cattle rustlers and kidnappers [15]. The group operates in Adamawa and neighboring Taraba States, claiming a membership exceeding 500 individuals [14]. Pulaku's funding comes from members' contributions and community support, with additional assistance from local authorities; the Adamawa State government has provided vehicles to the group [14][15]. Pulaku has reported successes, including the rescue of Pastor Daniel Musa on May 23, 2023, after his kidnapping in Girei, Adamawa [15][16]. Musa's church later presented an award to the vigilante group for this action [15]. Some residents, like Muhammed Hamman of Yadim, express appreciation for Pulaku, stating that without the group, their community would have been "consumed" by kidnappings and cattle rustling [15].

## Allegations of Abuse
Despite these successes, Pulaku faces serious allegations of human rights abuses, including torture, particularly within Fulani communities [15]. Haruna Hamza, a 28-year-old Fulani herdsman, alleged in March 2025 that Pulaku members detained him and severely beat him, causing severe scars [15]. Musa Usman Malkohi, Pulaku's Grand Commander, denied the torture allegations, suggesting Hamza's scars were faked [15]. However, Malkohi did not deny Hamza's detention or confirm whether he was transferred to the police [15]. The Adamawa State Police Command acknowledged it is investigating allegations against Pulaku but stated it had not received a formal complaint from Hamza [15]. A police spokesperson emphasized that vigilantes are not authorized to hold or interrogate suspects and voiced concern over Pulaku's practice of resolving matters internally, expecting them to hand over suspected criminals to the police [15].

## Broader Context
The proliferation of vigilante groups in Nigeria is a broader trend often linked to inadequate formal law enforcement, a phenomenon that frequently leads to human rights abuses [7][5][6]. A 2022 International Crisis Group report highlighted that poorly trained and equipped vigilante groups can commit grave human rights violations [7]. The context is further complicated by the negative association of Fulani identity with crime in Nigerian media, despite many Fulani being victims of insecurity [20][21]. For example, an April 2026 Amnesty International report detailed the arbitrary detention and deaths of at least 150 members of the Fulani community, many of them children, at a military detention camp in Kwara State [9][10][11][12][13].

## What We Could Not Confirm
We could not confirm if Haruna Hamza has since filed a formal complaint with the Adamawa State Police Command regarding his alleged abuse [15]. The current status or outcome of the Adamawa State Police Command's investigation into allegations against Pulaku remains unconfirmed [15]. It is also unclear if Pulaku transferred Haruna Hamza to the police after his detention [15]. We could not verify the exact number of human rights abuse allegations against Pulaku beyond Hamza's specific case [15].

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