The increasing incidence of theft, robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has exposed the limitations of conventional policing and necessitated the involvement of community-based security arrangements. This study examined the contributions of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) to crime control in Igabi Local Government Area between 2016 and 2023. Specifically, the study assessed the extent to which KADVS has reduced crime and enhanced community safety. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) to generate quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 400 respondents were selected through multi-stage sampling techniques, but 364 were presented and analysed, while qualitative data were analysed thematically and quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study was anchored on Broken Windows Theory. Findings revealed that KADVS has significantly contributed to the reduction of theft, robbery, and kidnapping and has improved community safety through regular patrols, intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms, and collaboration with the Nigeria Police. The study further found that the local knowledge, accessibility, and community acceptance enjoyed by KADVS enhanced its effectiveness in crime prevention and control. The study concludes that KADVS has become an indispensable complement to formal policing in Igabi LGA. It recommends greater institutional support, training, logistical assistance, and strengthened collaboration between KADVS and formal security agencies. The study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of community-based security initiatives in complementing state policing and promoting local security governance in Nigeria.

Keywords: Kaduna Vigilante Service, Crime Control, Community Security, Vigilantism, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.