The Akwa lbom state government has turned to private security agents to compliment the regular police in the task of effectively curbing activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and policing the state.

The government said the move, through the Community Watch Constables (ICWC) initiative, has engaged 500 youths in security training.

Inaugurating the group, the State Governor, Umo Eno, noted that the exercise became necessary to re-jig the state’s security architecture to be in a better position, ward off criminal elements as developments cannot thrive under chaotic atmosphere.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd), expressed his administration’s commitment to rural development under the ‘Arise Agenda’ blueprint of the government. He also stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to secure lives and properties in the state.

Eno urged the inductees to imbibe a high level of vigilance and discipline in the course of the training, for onward exhibition in the larger society against criminal elements.