News

Community Policing: Edo Graduates 1,500 Security Personnel

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the 1,500 Edo State Security, Vigilante/Hunter Network (ESSVN), will strengthen efforts to boost intelligence gathering and community policing across the state.

Obaseki made the remarks at the passing out parade of the second set of ESSVN officials, held at the Ogida Police Training School, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor said the exercise was part of the process to firm up the security architecture of the state.

He added: “Today marks a major milestone in our renewed efforts to strengthen the security structure in Edo State to protect lives and properties, as we graduate another batch, making it about 2,037 trainees. The first set was 537 and now another 1,500.

“As a government, we are aware of the roles security plays in our socio-economic growth and development. This is why we have sustained efforts to continue to build a capable and well-trained security network across the state and to ensure that they are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills which are required to effectively deal with the rapid changes in the security landscape.

“We are committed to building the capacity of all our security personnel who are at the forefront of combating crimes in Edo State. We understand the need to collaborate with other agencies, particularly with the Federal Government. That is why we have put in resources to upgrade facilities in the Police Training School”.

Obaseki also thanked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (CP) and other security agencies for collaborating with his administration in designing the training programmes for members of the vigilante and hunter network.

He noted that the state government recognises the peculiar need for a decentralised and participatory security model which is the current trend in the world. The governor added that a reward system has been implemented to motivate operatives of the ESSVN.

“We believe that it is when citizens are empowered to take ownership of their safety and become an integral part and partners in preventing and addressing the security concerns in their communities, that is when there would be guaranteed security,” he added.

The governor expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and other partners and members of the Edo State Security Council who have continued to support and strengthen efforts to prevent, deter and respond to criminal activities which have led to the success recorded in the management of security over last few years.

On his part, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, said the Force takes the training seriously as it will help in combating crimes and ensuring a crime-free society.

The CP, represented by DCP, Millar Dantawaye, urged the trainees to work in synergy with DPOs, Heads of operational units of Police in their various communities and other sister security agencies to check crime and immediately hand over suspects to the Police for further actions.

The Commandant, Police Training School, Benin, ACP Joseph Esegine, said about 1,500 personnel of the Edo State Security Vigilante/Hunter Network (ESSVN) Batch B from 12 local government areas of Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts passed out from the school after 10 days of intensive training.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.