Strengthening the fight against insecurity through community engagement and proper funding
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
Security is often said to be everybody’s business. However, in practice, it has long been left to government and government institutions alone.
As Nigeria grapples with worsening insecurity, ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping, banditry and insurgency, the Nigeria Police continued to introduce different strategies, including community policing, involving citizens more directly in crime prevention.
Yet, despite all the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches towards safeguarding lives and property, criminals continue to operate with impunity. Heinous crimes persist across the country, often resulting in tragic losses.
One major impediment in the fight has been the lack of adequate funding, manpower, sophisticated crime-fighting equipment, vehicles, and technology.
Indeed, insufficient funding has proven to be a critical obstacle in the national effort to root out crime.
This underscores the need for a synergy between the Federal and State Governments to provide intentional and sustained financial support to security agencies.
It is within this context that Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has made a bold commitment not to cede an inch of Abia’s territory to criminals.
On assumption of office, at a time parts of the state had become safe havens for criminal elements, Gov. Otti swiftly established an inter-agency security outfit, known as “Operation Crush”, with a clear mandate to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
The outfit, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, wasted no time in getting down to work.
Within months, the team successfully stamped out kidnappers, who had turned the Lokpanta axis of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway into a danger zone. Other areas, including Umuahia, the state capital, and the commercial city of Aba, have also recorded sharp decline in crime due to the presence of this security force.
One notable success was the recent arrest of three suspected cattle rustlers in Ohiya, Umuahia South Local Government Area, a move that helped to avert a potentially violent clash between locals and herders.
Gov. Otti’s support for security agencies goes beyond operational directives. In December 2024, he donated 20 brand new Toyota Hilux trucks equipped with modern gadgets to different security agencies. Reiterating that security is a top priority, he pledged continued support to ensure the safety of the people’s lives and property.
In a strategic effort to institutionalize and sustain these efforts, the governor inaugurated the Abia State Security Advisory Council and the Abia State Security Trust Fund.
The council is chaired by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (Rtd.), and includes seasoned professionals with deep security backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Trust Fund, led by Chief Stanley Obiamarije, is tasked with mobilizing and managing resources to support the state’s security architecture.
To give the fund legal backing, Gov. Otti signed the amended Abia State Security Trust Fund Bill into law in February 2025. This empowers the fund to seek financial support outside government coffers, tapping into private and community sources.
On July 10, the State Government hosted the first Abia State Security Trust Fund Luncheon, which launched a comprehensive framework for resource mobilization.
At the event, the governor emphasised the devastating economic and social impact of insecurity, noting that it impoverishes communities and displaces families in their own homeland. He urged residents to play active roles in neighborhood security, emphasizing that vigilance and cooperation are critical.
The fundraiser brought together the governor’s friends and associates, resulting in donations that amounted to ₦4.1 billion at the event.
Notable dignitaries, including Hon. Alex Ikwuecheghe (representing Aba North and South), Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah, all echoed the call for collective responsibility in making Abia and Nigeria safe.
They lauded Gov. Otti’s security efforts and commended the transformative progress across the various sectors of the state under his administration.
The Chairman of the Trust Fund’s Board of Trustees, represented by his Vice, Chief Johnson Chukwu, explained that the initiative was a public-private partnership initiative aimed at strengthening the capabilities of security agencies.
He said: “The overall goal is simple: to provide logistics, equipment, communication tools, surveillance infrastructure, and other critical support to enable security agencies respond effectively to challenges in real time.”
The enthusiastic response from Abians of means and donors reflects the trust and confidence they have in Gov. Otti’s prudent management of public resources. There is no doubt that the funds raised will be judiciously deployed in achieving its objective.
However, the fight against insecurity is not just for the wealthy or influential only. Every resident has a role to play by being vigilant, reporting suspicious activity, and engaging with community security structures.
Security is indeed everyone’s business. And in Abia, it is a business Gov. Otti is taking very seriously.
#GovernorOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
#ToGodBeTheGlory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst writing from Umuahia.