Plans In Top Gear To Roll Out State Police Architecture

With the decentralisation of the policing system amid raging security challenges in the country, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, has said plans are in top gear to roll out the state police architecture in alliance with the state’s vigilante group – Ibom Community Watch (ICW).

Consequently, the governor has enlisted 2,272 youths across the 31 local government areas to be trained in the art of working with the proposed state police to provide local intelligence for effective community and grassroots policing.

At a strategic engagement meeting with the youth leaders drawn from all villages in the state at the Uyo Township Stadium over the weekend, Governor Eno described the gathering as a critical step towards building a safer and more prosperous Akwa Ibom.

He noted that security remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through community-based approaches.

“The villages remain the first line of defense in any society. People know one another in their communities, and they can easily identify strange movements and suspicious activities.

“That is why we are integrating Village Youth Presidents into our security architecture,” the Governor explained, adding that “the youth leaders will serve as vital links between local communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies to facilitate intelligence flow and strengthen vigilance at the grassroots.”

He warned that the arrangement would not shield individuals involved in unlawful acts, warning that “If you think becoming a Village Youth President will shield you from accountability while engaging in criminal acts, then you are mistaken. This responsibility demands integrity, vigilance, and commitment to the protection of your people,”

To boost coordination, the Governor directed all Local Government Chairmen to appoint Security Supervisors in their councils where such appointments have not been made.

“The supervisors will coordinate security activities and serve as liaison officers between Village Youth Presidents, Community Watch groups, and security agencies,” he stated.

Governor Eno also directed security agencies to develop comprehensive training programmes for the youth leaders and integrate them into the State’s community security framework. He announced plans to expand the State’s Quick Response Force to cover all ten federal constituencies for faster emergency response.

Introducing a reward system for actionable intelligence, the Governor said: “We have always said, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Today, we are taking it a step further. If you see something, say something and win something. Credible information that helps security agencies prevent crime and apprehend criminals will be rewarded.”

He charged the Village Youth Presidents to discharge their duties with patriotism and honesty, and to work closely with Village Heads, Clan Heads, Paramount Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, and security agencies. He also urged them to mobilize residents for civic participation, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Governor Eno recalled that upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways to strengthen the state’s security architecture. He commended the nation’s security agencies and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to security institutions.

The engagement underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging grassroots structures to promote security, community ownership, youth empowerment, and sustainable development under the ARISE Agenda.