The Directorate of State Service (DSS), on September 8, trained members of Akama Oghe Neighborhood Watch on rudiments security issues, such as weapons handling, intelligence gathering and investigation.
The training which was held at the community’s civic centre, has as facilitators, DSS officer in charge of Ezeagu local government, Mr. Henry Nnaji, and Chibuzor Onyeije, an Abuja based security expert.
The duo took operatives of the Neighborhood Watch through the fundamentals of weapons handling with practical demonstrations; intelligence gathering with emphasis on establishing friendly relations, as people represent the primary source of information; and cooperation with regular security agencies such as the DSS, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.
“The powers of the Neighbourhood Watch are limited to things like receiving reports and complaints, establishing if a case exists, arresting suspects and handing them over to the police or any other relevant security agencies.
“It is not proper for the Neighbourhood Watch to detain or torture any suspect in the name of investigation,” the operatives were warned.
To further strengthen the Neighborhood Watch and ensure that only persons of proven integrity were engaged, there will be full disclosure of the personal data of all the operatives of the Neighborhood Watch, as “any screening of security men that does not involve profiling is incomplete.”
The operatives were advised to prove themselves as reliable and trustworthy, and “must not indulge in excessive drinking and drugs.”
The training officers however advised
Akama Oghe community against interference in the activities of the Neighborhood Watch or politicising the recruitment and operations of the Watch.
The community was reminded that Neighbourhood Watch group is a creation of an existing Enugu State Law, and therefore, “all its offices and appointment of officers are governed by that same law.
“Therefore, the provisions of the law must be complied with in everything especially but not limited to the appointment of a (CSO) chief security officer.
“Security men should avoid being dragged into partisanship of any kind.”
The community is also expected to establish a fortified armoury where arms and ammunition could be stored until needed, provide funding, security gadgets and operational vehicles, for the the operatives.
Every Akama indigene was told to pay attention to security matters and participate in funding of the Neighborhood Watch.
The community agreed to hold further trainings and workshops for all the youths, okada/Keke/bus drivers, shop owners, landlords, farmers and other business people in Akama.
“Security must be everybody’s business, and as the holiday season with its attendant security challenges draws close, there is a need for more security awareness to be created in Akama.
“It is hoped that very soon when our people talk about coming home the fear for the security of their lives and properties would become a thing of the past,” the community stated.
The training was sponsored by High Chief (Dr.) Donald Igwegbu.
