Edo Trains 1,472 Security Corps Personnel to Tackle Insecurity

The Edo State Government has announced the successful completion of a rigorous training programme for 1,472 members of the newly reorganized Edo State Security Corps, marking a decisive step in the state’s renewed fight against insecurity.

Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known at the passing out parade ceremony held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area. Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Governor noted that the reorganization was necessary to address issues of politicization and lack of professionalism within the previous security structure.

“Regrettably, activities of the former Corps were politicized and lacked professionalism. Hence, I decided to reorganize and restructure the Corps to meet its set objectives,” Okpebholo stated.

He commended the Nigerian Army for providing two weeks of intensive training for the Corps, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling criminality and ensuring the safety of lives and property in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that security remains a priority under his administration’s five-point agenda. He explained that the establishment of the Edo State Security Corps, backed by the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law 2024, is aimed at complementing existing security agencies through intelligence gathering and operational support in combating crime across the state.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Reorganizing Committee, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), represented by Maj. Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (rtd), noted that the Corps personnel were carefully selected from the 13 local government areas cutting across the three senatorial districts of the state. He added that the training, which began on May 22, 2025, was designed to prepare the Corps for effective support roles alongside other security agencies in managing the state’s security challenges.

“With this training, the Corps is fully prepared to work collaboratively with other security agencies to combat crime and ensure peace within Edo State,” Gen. Esekhaigbe affirmed.

Governor Okpebholo further disclosed that a management board has been instituted to oversee the Corps’ affairs, stressing the importance of discipline, professionalism, and operational efficiency. He assured that activities of the Corps would be closely monitored, with ongoing profiling to ensure only suitable and qualified individuals serve in the organization.

“The activities of the Corps will be highly monitored, and profiling is currently ongoing to identify those fit to serve in the Corps,” he said.

The passing out parade, which signals a new era for the Edo State Security Corps, was attended by dignitaries, including the Commander of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Benin, members of the reorganizing committee, and the acting chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area.

This milestone reflects the state’s proactive strategy to strengthen community policing structures and bolster the capacity of security agencies in addressing the complex and evolving security challenges confronting Edo State.