Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Peace and Security, Hon (Dr) Isaac Anwuzia has called for continued support for security agencies to promote their operations in the state.
Hon Anwuzia who made the call when he led members of the Committee on an oversight visit to the headquarters of the Delta State Police Command and the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, both in Asaba, the state capital, said “fight against crime is a collective responsibility”.
Addressing heads of the two Agencies during the separate visits, Anwuzia commended the relentless efforts of the police and army in maintaining peace and orderliness in the state.
Flanked by some members of the committee including, Hon Charles Emetulu, Emmanuel Sinebe, Frank Esenwa and Festus Utuama, the Lawmaker who represents Aniocha South in the House, explained that the oversight visits would enable the Committee review security situation in the State.
Stressing that both Agencies have done so well in protecting lives and property across Delta, Hon Anwuzia expressed appreciation for their sacrifices and achievements in tackling criminality, especially kidnapping, communal clashes, and armed robbery.
He disclosed that as part of the new framework to enhancing security, vigilante groups across the state will henceforth be trained by the Police and supervised by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their respective local government areas.
Anwuzia further explained that the Delta State Local Government Law of 2013 (as amended), mandates councils to submit monthly security reports, which has greatly aided intelligence gathering by the Assembly Committee on Peace and Security.
The Lawmaker stressed that the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill, recently passed by the House, would centralize vigilante operations and curb abuses by those who have allegedly used private security outfits to intimidate others.
The Committee Chairman commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and security agencies for their swift interventions in recent crises, including the Okoloba/ Okuama debacle as well as the successful neutralization of kidnappers’ hideouts in Ogwashi-Uku forest, Aniocha South local government area of the state.
He appealed for urgent attention to the lingering ethnic tension in Warri, urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward lasting peace in the area.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda lauded the Delta State House of Assembly for its support, saying that the passage of the Community Security Corps Bill, was commendable.
CP Abaniwonda highlighted achievements of the Command in recent times, including the recovery of over 30 AK-47 rifles, several locally made firearms, stolen items, and large sums of stolen cash from criminal elements.
On his part, the Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Moronfolu Shonibare, assured that the Army in synergy with sister agencies is working round the clock to secure the state from any potential threat to the wellbeing of the people.
Brig. Gen. Shonibare, assured of continuous engagement with stakeholders, including leadership of the various local government councils in the state, to prevent crime and foster peace and unity particularly in sensitive flashpoints.
Correspondent reports that both Security Chiefs reaffirmed commitment to sustaining collaboration with the state government, including the Delta State House of Assembly to achieve sustainable peace and security across the state.