Gov. Okpebholo Revamps Security Corps, Emphasises Professionalism, Collaboration

By Rosemary Okoduwa

In a bid to enhance security in Edo State, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced the reorganization and restructuring of the Edo State Security Corps. The governor made this known at the passing out parade of the newly reorganized Corps members, held at the Edo State National Orientation Camp (NYSC) in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fred Itua, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa stated that the activities of the former Corps were politicized and lacked professionalism, hence the decision to reorganize and restructure the Corps. He emphasized that the new Corps would be trained to work in collaboration with other security agencies to combat criminality in the state.

The governor noted that 1,472 members of the Edo State Security Corps have completed their two weeks rigorous training at the orientation camp, and thanked the Nigerian Army for training the Corps. He emphasized that security is one of the key elements of his administration’s five-point agenda and that the State Government established the Edo State Security Corps to assist the police in intelligence gathering and low-level operations to combat crime.

According to Governor Okpebholo, the Edo State Security Corps was established to provide support to the police and other sister security agencies, as existing security agencies were over-stretched. He expressed his administration’s concern over security challenges in the state and assured that the Corps would be equipped to make a significant impact in the state’s security landscape.

The Chairman of the reorganizing committee of Edo State Security Corps, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), represented by Major Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (rtd), said the organization and training of the Corps is to ensure they are more effective and efficient in the performance of their duties. He added that the Corps is not trained to operate alone but to support other sister security agencies, ensuring peace in the state.

The governor has established a management board to oversee the affairs of the Corps, promote discipline, and welfare. He emphasized that the activities of the Corps would be highly monitored, and profiling is ongoing to identify those who are fit to serve in the Corps.

The passing out parade of the newly reorganized Edo State Security Corps marks a new beginning for the Corps as it has been restructured to meet the demands of complex security emergencies. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Commander of 4 Bridge Nigeria Army Benin, members of the reorganizing committee, and the acting chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area.