The Ebonyi state Commander of Neighborhood Watch and State Internal Security, Prince Victor Nwenyi, Wednesday, said the state is prepared for the proposed state police system, saying the initiative would strengthen the security architecture, create employment opportunities and enhance intelligence gathering.
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.
He said 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 and 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 stated 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-victimisation, human rights and proper handling of suspects because they are going to be law enforcement officers,” he said.