The Ebonyi State Commander of Neighborhood Watch and State Internal Security, Prince Victor Nwenyi, has declared that the state is well-prepared for the proposed state police system, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, creating jobs and improving intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on
Thursday, Nwenyi said state policing remains one of the most effective security initiatives being considered in the country.
He explained that recruiting security personnel from their respective states would enhance operational efficiency because they possess a better understanding of the local terrain, language and culture.
According to him, locally recruited officers would outperform personnel deployed from outside the state, who often require considerable time to understand the environment. He cited the role of local hunters and vigilantes in northern Nigeria, noting that their knowledge of the terrain has significantly assisted conventional security agencies in combating insurgency.
Nwenyi, however, stressed that the success of state police would depend largely on quality training. He urged governments to engage experts in criminology, security studies and related disciplines to equip recruits with the skills required for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations, lawful enforcement and respect for human rights.
“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-victimization, human rights and proper handling of suspects because they are going to be law enforcement officers,” he said.
The security chief dismissed fears that governors could misuse state police to intimidate political opponents during elections. He maintained that the proposed security outfit is designed to complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force, with clearly defined operational responsibilities aimed at addressing rising insecurity nationwide.
On funding, Nwenyi expressed confidence that Ebonyi State has the capacity to sustain the initiative. He disclosed that the state government has consistently paid Neighborhood Watch personnel without salary arrears and currently maintains more than 105 operatives in each of the state’s local government areas, adding that federal support would further strengthen the proposed system.
He also highlighted the employment benefits of state policing, saying the initiative would provide jobs for thousands of unemployed graduates and youths. He lamented that many graduates have been forced into commercial motorcycle operations due to the scarcity of employment opportunities.
Condemning jungle justice and abuse of suspects, Nwenyi said the Neighborhood Watch operates a disciplinary committee to sanction erring personnel and insisted that no suspect should be treated as guilty until convicted by a competent court.
“If you see any of my personnel brutalizing anybody, report to me immediately. We don’t tolerate such. If anybody violates the law, we discipline the person and hand such over to the police for investigation and prosecution,” he stated.
He added that he personally supervises the activities of Neighborhood Watch personnel across the state to ensure discipline, professionalism and accountability. Nwenyi further dismissed concerns that state police would render the Neighborhood Watch obsolete, insisting that both institutions can work together effectively. He described Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, attributing its growing appeal to visitors, entertainers and investors to its stable security environment.
