The Edo government has trained 1,500 members of the State Security, Vigilante/Hunter Network (ESSVN) on security and intelligence gathering to firm up its security architecture.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the passing-out parade, remarked that the training of ESSVN operatives would strengthen efforts to boost intelligence gathering and community policing in Edo.

The ESSVN completed a 10-day intelligence gathering training at the Ogida Police Training School, Egor LGA, on Thursday.

“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,” stated Mr Obaseki. “As a government, we are aware of the roles security plays in our socio-economic growth and development.”

The governor stressed his administration’s commitment “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,” Mr Obaseki stated.

Mr Obaseki commended the inspector general of police, the police commissioner in Edo and other security agencies for collaborating with his administration to design training programmes for the vigilante and hunter network.

“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,” added Mr Obaseki.

Police commissioner Mohammed Dankwara said the force took the training seriously as it would help combat crimes.

The commandant of the Police Training School, Benin, ACP Joseph Esegine, said about 1,500 personnel of the EESSVN 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.

(NAN)