By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Commander of Neighborhood Watch and State Internal Security, Prince Victor Nwenyi, has expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness for the proposed state police system, saying the initiative would strengthen the security architecture, create employment opportunities and enhance intelligence gathering across communities.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki, Nwenyi described state policing as one of the most effective security initiatives for Nigeria, noting that it would enable indigenes who understand the terrain, language and local environment to participate directly in securing their communities.
According to him, security operatives recruited from within the state would perform better than outsiders who may require months or years to become familiar with the operational terrain. He noted that local hunters and vigilantes in northern Nigeria have continued to support security agencies in combating insurgency because of their deep knowledge of the environment.
He, however, stressed that recruitment and training must be handled professionally, warning against reducing the exercise to mere physical drills. He advised governments to engage experts in criminology, security studies and other relevant fields to properly train personnel in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, human rights and lawful enforcement procedures.
“The training should not just be about jogging on the field. There are technical areas in criminology and security studies that these personnel must understand. They should know the law, understand re-victimization, human rights and proper handling of suspects because they are going to be law enforcement officers,” he said.
Nwenyi also dismissed concerns that state police could be used by governors to intimidate political opponents during elections, arguing that the initiative was not intended for political thuggery but to complement federal security agencies in addressing the rising insecurity across the country.
He explained that state police would not replace the Nigeria Police Force but would operate alongside existing security agencies with clearly defined responsibilities and operational limits, adding that the move would further strengthen the nation’s security framework, especially during election periods when criminal activities typically increase.
On funding concerns, the commander maintained that the Ebonyi State Government had consistently paid Neighborhood Watch personnel without owing salaries, noting that more than 105 personnel are currently maintained in each local government area of the state. He expressed optimism that federal support for state police would further strengthen the system financially.
He further said the establishment of state police would create employment opportunities for many unemployed graduates and youths, lamenting the growing number of graduates engaged in commercial motorcycle business due to lack of jobs.
Condemning jungle justice and brutality by security operatives, Chibuoyi said the Neighborhood Watch operates a disciplinary committee to sanction erring personnel, insisting that suspects must never be treated as guilty until proven so by a competent court of law.
“If you see any of my personnel brutalizing anybody, report to me immediately. We don’t tolerate such. If anybody violates the law, we discipline the person and hand such over to the police for investigation and prosecution,” he stated.
The commander added that effective supervision remains critical to maintaining discipline within the security system, revealing that he personally monitors personnel operations across the state to ensure professionalism and accountability.
He also dismissed fears that the proposed state police would threaten the existence of Neighborhood Watch outfits, saying both structures could work together harmoniously for the peace and security of the state.
Nwenyi described Ebonyi as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, noting that the prevailing atmosphere in the state continues to attract visitors, entertainers and investors from different parts of the country.
