Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, said 1,472 security corps agents have been trained by the Nigerian Army to tackle security challenges in the state.
Governor Okpebholo noted that his administration has reorganised the Edo State Security Corps to embrace professionalism and collaborate with security agencies to fight criminality in the state.
The governor made this known at the passing out parade of the newly reorganised Edo State Security Corps members at the Edo State National Orientation Camp (NYSC) in Okada, Ovia North East local government area of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dannis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo said the activities of the former Corps were politicised and lacked professionalism, hence the decision to reorganise and restructure the Corps.
“Regrettably, activities of the former Corps were politicised, and it lacked professionalism. Hence, I decided to reorganise and restructure the Corps to meet set objectives,” he said.
The governor noted that 1,472 members of the Edo State Security Corps have completed their two-week rigorous training at the orientation camp.
He thanked the Nigerian Army for training the Corps, demonstrating the government’s seriousness in combating criminality and making the state safe for all.
According to the governor, security is one of the key elements of his administration’s five-point agenda.
He noted that the State Government established the Edo State Security Corps, backed by the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law 2024, to assist the police in intelligence gathering and low-level operations to combat crime.
Okpebholo expressed his administration’s concern over security challenges in the state, noting that existing security agencies were over-stretched.
He said the Security Corps was established to provide support to the police and other sister security agencies.
Chairman of the reorganising committee General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), represented by Maj.-Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (rtd) said the reorganisation and training of the Corps were to ensure more effectiveness and efficiency in the performance of their duties.
