The Akwa Ibom state government has unveiled a new security initiative known as Ibom Community Watch (ICW) aimed at bolstering security in rural areas and supplementing community policing efforts. Aligned with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, ICW will collaborate with existing government security agencies, engaging over 5,000 recruited youths to operate in rural communities.
The initiative, inaugurated at the Uyo township stadium, emphasizes its supportive role by providing security information, safeguarding public facilities, managing crowd control, overseeing markets and traffic, and securing the state’s waterways.
Governor Eno, during the inauguration, clarified that Ibom Community Watch is not intended to replace the police or other security agencies. Equipping the ICW with communication tools and vehicles, including motorcycles, he stressed its primary vision—to enhance security at the grassroots, provide intelligence to mainstream security services, and protect government assets from vandalism.
The governor also highlighted the economic impact, stating that the initiative creates jobs for both the recruited youths and local businesses, as the uniforms and boots are produced by Akwa Ibomites, contributing to economic stimulation.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd.), and the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, commended the initiative for addressing security challenges and contributing to crime reduction, highlighting the positive impact on policing with clear rules of engagement.
The State Coordinator of Ibom Community Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon, expressed appreciation for Governor Eno’s leadership, pledging unwavering commitment to collaborate with state security agencies for the program’s success. The launch included the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Community Watch program.
IMAGE: Witness Reports
