Chief of Army Staff lauds improved security in Enugu
Security experts and civil society groups have warned that arming vigilante groups without proper oversight could create new security threats.
The stakeholders emphasised the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s community policing framework, as well as the importance of strengthening local participation, enhancing public trust, and regulating the growing influence of non-state armed actors countrywide.
The representative of the Community Policing Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Mohammed Gumel, while speaking in Abuja at the methodology meeting on community policing framework in Nigeria yesterday, mentioned that although the worsening security situation in the country demands greater community involvement, there is a need for collaboration with law enforcement officers.
He acknowledged that, although the activities of vigilante groups and other non-state actors have contributed to curbing local crimes, their operations must be brought under the supervision of the Nigerian Police Force.
He wondered: “Who recruits them? Who supervises them? What is their chain of command? These are critical questions. We need them to complement the police, not to compete with them. Allowing them to bear arms without proper regulation creates a dangerous precedent.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended improved security in Enugu State under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.
Shaibu gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Regimental Sergeant Majors’ (RSM) Conference 2025, yesterday.
He also appreciated the governor for his support of the Nigerian Army in its efforts to succeed in its constitutional mandate.
Shaibu said: “I came to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, and also to appreciate him for all the support he has been providing to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army.
“Security in Enugu State has improved tremendously from the brief I have gotten. And from all indicators, security has improved. “
On his part, while congratulating the Army Chief on his appointment, Mbah commended him for hitting the ground running and praised his sense of urgency in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He underscored the fact that the widely acclaimed improvement in the security of life and property in the state could not have been possible without the support and sacrifices of the men of the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies.
While also commending President Bola Tinubu for his sustained and far-reaching policies, investments, and commitment towards making Nigeria safer for all, the governor said his administration looked forward to engaging and working more with the army in all necessary areas to actualise the President’s overall security objectives and targets for the country.
