In a strategic move to enhance security in rural areas and complement community policing, the Akwa Ibom state government has officially inaugurated its security outfit, Ibom Community Watch (ICW).
Aligned with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, the outfit is set to collaborate with government security agencies to fortify safety measures.
The ICW aims to play a multifaceted role, including providing security information to government security agencies, safeguarding public facilities, ensuring the security of the state’s waterways, managing crowds, overseeing market and traffic activities, among other responsibilities.
Over 5,000 youths recruited from various units across the state will be deployed to work in rural areas.
Governor Umo Eno, who inaugurated the outfit at the Uyo township stadium, emphasized that Ibom Community Watch is not intended as a replacement for the police and other security agencies.
Equipped with communication tools and vehicles, including motorcycles, the ICW is geared towards grassroots security, intelligence provision for mainstream security services, and protection against vandalism of government facilities.
Governor Eno stated, “They are to work under very strict supervision and control of the main security agencies, especially the Police. Their jobs will be to provide security information, help in crowd control, protect basic government assets, and ensure peace in all the areas where they are located.”
He further highlighted the economic stimulus associated with the initiative, mentioning that the uniforms and boots for ICW members were locally made by Akwa Ibomites, contributing to the stimulation of the state’s economy.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to regular security agencies for their technical support and training of the initial 550 personnel.
He affirmed that the next phase of training and recruitment will prioritize locals from riverine areas, with an emphasis on having 30% of the total 5,000 ICW personnel as women.
The launch ceremony included remarks from Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd.), who noted that the Community Watch accommodates 5,000 youths recruited from political units for equity and fairness.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, commended the government’s initiative in tackling security challenges and anticipated a reduction in criminality with the engagement of 5,000 youths.
State Coordinator of the Ibom Community Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon, expressed gratitude for Governor Eno’s visionary leadership and pledged unwavering commitment to collaborating with state security agencies to ensure the security, peace, and harmony of the state.
The launch event concluded with the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Community Watch program.
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