Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has as part of the strategic
measures aimed at intensifying the war against kidnapping and crime in
the state launched a special vigilante outfit christened Imo Security
Network.
Governor Okorocha at its inauguration at the Ahijoku Convention
center, Owerri explained that the outfit is put in place to compliment
the efforts of the security agencies, community vigilate groups and
traditional rulers who by the provisions of the community government
are the chief security officers in their respective communities
towards making Imo a crime free state.
While throwing light on the operation of the outfits, governor
Okorocha said “imo Security Network that is being inaugurated today is
to compliments the efforts of security agencies and the already
existing vigilante groups. They will also collaborate with the
traditional rulers whose position as chairman of Community government
have placed them as chief security officers in their various
communities. These gentlemen will no longer live in their homes but
in places that will be provided for them as barracks in nine locations
across the state. They will introduce themselves to the people with
phone numbers that will be dedicated for their operations and in the
case of suspicion, they will be called upon for prompt responds. Each
team will be attached with a police man to ensure that they operate
within the ambit of the law”
The governor who charged them to operate within the ambit of the law
as his administration will not tolerate any form of indiscipline,
extortion and harassment of innocent citizens, further describe the
outfit as a vigilante outfit approved by government and established by
the law with powers to check crime in partnership with the Nigerian
Police Force and other security agencies.
Governor Okorocha also canvassed for synergy and healthy collaboration
between Imo Security Network and other security agencies in the
collective fight against crime in the state.
“Let me say that Imo Security Network is set up by the law and with
full awareness of Imo State Government as should be treated as a
security outfit in partnership with the police to check crime. Even
as the state will not tolerate indiscipline, extortion and harassment
of innocent citizens by men of this security outfit, may I also say in
the same manner that no one should intimidate Imo Security network”
Governor Okorocha further explained that the operations of Imo
Security Network will include fishing out the hideout of the
kidnappers and criminal by combing the forests and uncompleted
building in the nooks and crannies of the state.
He however urged the people to join in the relentless war against
crime in the state by volunteering useful information that will lead
to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and crimes operating in the
state.
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Ifeanyi
Nwachukwu said Imo Security Network comprises of 324 men drawn from
the 27 LGA of the state and trained by the security department Imo
college of Advance Professional Studies [ICAPS] manned by American
Security expert.
The Senior Special Assistant on Security [Administration] Barr Okey
Okorocha also in his remarks said the men of Imo Security Network
where trained to assist the security agencies to overcome the
challenges of insecurity in the state.
The commissioner of Police, Mr Adisa Bolanta represented by the Asst.
Commissioner of police [Operations] of Imo State Command and heads of
other security agencies declared to collaborate effectively in making
Imo a crime free state and safe during the yuletide.
