In a decisive move to fortify the security apparatus in Edo State, Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki has issued a directive for the reaccreditation of more than 6,500 personnel comprising the State’s Security Vigilante Network. This initiative aims to bolster the state’s security architecture, ensuring a robust response to crime and safeguarding the lives and property of residents.
The governor conveyed this directive during a comprehensive security briefing held at the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in Benin City, attended by key security chiefs in the State. Obaseki emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with security agencies in the ongoing battle against crime and criminal activities within the State.
Addressing recent security challenges, particularly in Edo North, where citizens engaged in arson and assaulted security personnel in Oja Village under the guise of a burial event, Governor Obaseki condemned the actions. He asserted that the government would not tolerate such incidents and pledged to take appropriate actions against the culprits.
To address the recent incident and enhance the efficiency of the vigilante structure, Obaseki announced a comprehensive reaccreditation process. Only personnel trained at the Nigerian Police Training School under the Edo State Government’s arrangement will be authorized to serve in Edo State. The approximately 6,500 vigilante members are required to report to the Police Staff College, where they received training, for reaccreditation.
Governor Obaseki stressed the importance of the reaccreditation, warning that individuals or groups acting as vigilantes without proper training by the Edo State Government would be treated as criminals. He encouraged active participation in the exercise, highlighting the significance of re-identifying and integrating trained vigilantes into the newly developed security information system software, facilitating enhanced monitoring of their activities.
Assuring continued collaboration with federal agencies, the governor highlighted the establishment of a 24/7 Command and Control Center to promptly address and report any incidents, crimes, or security breaches. Citizens were urged to utilize the emergency numbers 112 and 739 in times of distress or security concerns.
Governor Obaseki, in his commitment to maintaining a secure environment for business, addressed potential investors, cautioning against the influence of political players seeking to benefit from crisis situations. He emphasized proactive measures to prevent security disruptions and underscored the readiness of the newly manned Command and Control Center.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, disclosed the collaboration with the Inspector General of Police to deploy an additional 4,000 policemen into the State, reinforcing peace and development efforts. Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, pledged continued collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the people.
