The Akwa Ibom Stat Government has launched a community-based security network aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and tackling insecurity across the state.
Governor Umo Eno also announced plans to expand the state’s Quick Response Force to cover all 10 federal constituencies as part of efforts to improve emergency response and enhance public safety.
The initiative was unveiled during a strategic engagement with 2,272 Village Youth Presidents drawn from communities across the state’s 31 local government areas yesterday.
It is designed to integrate grassroots structures into the state’s security architecture and strengthen collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
Speaking at the event, Eno described villages as the first line of defence against crime, noting that residents are often best placed to identify suspicious movements and criminal activities within their communities.
According to the governor, integrating Village Youth Presidents into the state’s security framework will improve intelligence sharing among local communities, traditional institutions and security agencies.
“The villages remain the first line of defence in any society. People know one another in their communities, and they can easily identify strange movements and suspicious activities. That is why we are integrating Village Youth Presidents into our security architecture,” he said.
Eno said the youth leaders would serve as vital links between security agencies and their communities, helping to improve vigilance and ensure the timely reporting of security threats.
He, however, warned that the appointments should not be viewed as protection for anyone involved in criminal activities.
“If you think becoming a Village Youth President will shield you from accountability while engaging in criminal acts, then you are mistaken. This responsibility demands integrity, vigilance and commitment to the protection of your people,” the governor said.
To strengthen coordination, Eno directed all local government chairmen to appoint Security Supervisors in councils where the positions have not yet been created.
He explained that the supervisors would coordinate security activities and serve as liaison officers between Village Youth Presidents, Community Watch groups and security agencies.
The governor also directed security agencies to develop training programmes for the youth leaders and fully integrate them into the state’s community policing framework.
In addition, Eno introduced a reward system for residents who provide credible information leading to the prevention of crimes or the arrest of criminal suspects.
“We have always said, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Today, we are taking it a step further. If you see something, say something and win something. Credible information that helps security agencies prevent crime and apprehend criminals will be rewarded,” he said.
He urged the Village Youth Presidents to work closely with Village Heads, Clan Heads, Paramount Rulers, Local Government Chairmen and security agencies to maintain peace and protect public infrastructure.
The governor also encouraged them to mobilise residents to participate in civic activities, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Eno recalled that his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways shortly after assuming office in May 2023 to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
He commended security agencies for their commitment to maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security institutions across the country.