In a renewed drive to bolster internal security architecture and improve rapid response to criminal activities, the Edo State Government has deployed 10 newly acquired patrol vehicles to support security agencies operating across the Edo Central Senatorial District. The intervention is aimed at strengthening operational mobility, enhancing surveillance, and boosting the capacity of security operatives to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging security threats within the district.
The deployment underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while reinforcing collaborative efforts among security agencies to maintain peace and public order across Edo Central.
The vehicles were formally handed over on Saturday in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during an interactive security stakeholders’ engagement convened by Governor Monday Okpebholo, a move widely seen as part of the administration’s broader strategy to confront rising security challenges at the grassroots.
A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Patrick Ebojele, said the deployment reflects the government’s determination to equip security agencies with the tools required to effectively protect lives and property across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo described security as the cornerstone of governance and sustainable development, stressing that no meaningful socio-economic progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
“Effective security remains central to governance and development. My administration will continue to prioritise the safety of residents by addressing the operational gaps faced by our security agencies,” the governor said.
He called on local government chairmen to deepen collaboration with security formations by promptly submitting names of personnel drawn from the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), local hunters, and anti-cultism groups for profiling and formal engagement. According to him, the exercise, which will span all 18 local government areas, is aimed at ensuring proper documentation, accountability, and seamless integration of operatives into the state’s security framework and payroll system.
Governor Okpebholo further disclosed that the state government had earlier constituted a committee that successfully trained 2,500 security corps members. He said the trained operatives would be integrated with existing ESSC personnel and deployed strategically across communities in the state.
“With this arrangement, each local government area is expected to have more than 300 security personnel dedicated to strengthening grassroots security and intelligence gathering,” he noted.
The interactive session attracted traditional rulers from across Esanland, senior security officials, political leaders, and community stakeholders. Representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben, and Esan South East local government areas, alongside members of the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit, raised concerns bordering on inadequate logistics, poor mobility, intelligence gaps, herdsmen-related security threats, and the urgent need for improved communication equipment.
Addressing participants, the Director of Operations of the Edo State Security Corps, Mr. Richard Balogun, announced that the state government had approved the payment of salaries for security operatives, bringing relief after months of uncertainty. He commended the Okpebholo administration for prioritising welfare, noting that improved remuneration and logistics would significantly boost morale and operational effectiveness.
Also speaking, Edo Central APC Senatorial Leader, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), urged the state government to sustain logistical and operational support for security agencies. He charged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify vigilance, surveillance, and information sharing to nip criminal activities in the bud.
On behalf of traditional rulers in Esanland, the Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, described the governor’s security approach as inclusive, consultative, and pragmatic. He revealed that traditional rulers and Esan leaders in the diaspora were finalising plans to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund to complement government efforts and provide additional support for security operations in Edo Central.
The deployment of the patrol vehicles and the renewed engagement with stakeholders, observers say, signal a deliberate shift towards a more coordinated, community-driven security architecture in Edo State.