Security Chiefs in Delta State have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaboration with the state government and the Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) to achieve sustainable peace and security across the state.
The understanding was made when the DSHA Committee on Peace and Security paid an oversight visit to the headquarters of the Delta State Police Command and the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, both in Asaba, the state capital. They noted that “the fight against crime is a collective responsibility.”
The chairman of the committee, Hon Isaac Anwuzia, called for continued support for security agencies to promote their operations in the state.
Addressing heads of the two agencies during the separate visits, Anwuzia commended the relentless efforts of the Police and the Army in maintaining peace and orderliness in the state.
He stressed that both agencies have done so well in protecting lives and property across Delta and appreciated them for their sacrifices and achievements in tackling criminality, especially kidnapping, communal clashes and armed robbery.
He disclosed that as part of the new framework to enhance security, vigilante groups across the state would henceforth be trained by the Police and supervised by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their respective local government areas.
Anwuzia further explained that the Delta State Local Government Law of 2013 (as amended), mandates councils to submit monthly security reports, which has greatly aided intelligence gathering by the committee.
The lawmaker stressed that the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill, recently passed by the House, would centralise vigilante operations and curb abuses by those who have allegedly used private security outfits to intimidate others.
He appealed for urgent attention to the lingering ethnic tension in Warri, urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward achieving a lasting peace in the area.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, lauded the DSHA for its support, saying that the passage of the Community Security Corps Bill was commendable.
CP Abaniwonda highlighted achievements of the command in recent times, including the recovery of over 30 AK-47 rifles, several locally made firearms, stolen items, and large sums of stolen cash from criminal elements.
On his part, the Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Moronfolu Shonibare, maintained that the Army, in synergy with sister agencies, is working tirelessly to secure the state from any potential threat to the wellbeing of the people.
Shonibare, assured of continuous engagement with stakeholders, including leadership of the various local government councils in the state, to prevent crime and foster peace and unity particularly in sensitive flashpoints.
