Governor Alex Chioma Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for crime, declaring that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of his government.
A cross section of 1,240 newly recruited security operatives
The governor made this known at the weekend during the graduation ceremony of 1,240 recruits of the Abia State Homeland Security Agency at NYSC camp Umunna, Bende Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Navy Commander McDonald Uba (Rtd), Otti congratulated the recruits and urged them to adhere strictly to their rules of engagement. He charged them to remain disciplined, professional and committed to safeguarding residents, stressing that they are to complement existing security agencies as community-based first responders.
Gov. Otti described the graduates as the first batch of the state’s vigilante corps, with additional intakes expected. He noted that although the operatives would not carry the same category of firearms as statutory security agencies, they have been adequately trained to support crime prevention efforts and strengthen community policing.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Abia State Homeland Security Board, Brig. Gen. Victor Nnorom (Rtd), disclosed that 1,292 candidates were initially enrolled for the exercise, with 1,240 successfully completing the two-week intensive training.
He said the deployment is designed to close security gaps at the grassroots by posting the recruits to their respective communities to enhance intelligence gathering and provide useful information to statutory security agencies, particularly the police. He added that identified flashpoints across the state would receive increased security presence to block vulnerabilities.
Navy Commander McDonald Uba Rtd (Left) and Brig. Gen. Victor Nnorom Rtd (Right) during the event recently.
Nnorom warned the graduates against misconduct, including drug abuse, theft and other sharp practices capable of bringing the agency into disrepute, stressing that offenders would face prosecution. He maintained that Abia remains one of the most secure states in the South-East and reiterated the government’s resolve to sustain the gains recorded.
Also speaking, the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Col. Chidi Kalu Ukoha (Rtd), described the ceremony as the graduation of the first intake for 2026. He explained that the two-week training provided the recruits with foundational paramilitary skills, noting that advanced training would follow as they progress in service.
According to him, the training was facilitated by the state government and anchored by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Man O’ War Nigeria—covered drill, human rights, intelligence gathering, surveillance, civil–paramilitary relations, disaster management, alternative dispute resolution and security communication. The recruits will be deployed across the 17 local government areas of the state.
On the possibility of the outfit evolving into state policing, Ukoha said such a move would depend on a political decision, but affirmed the agency’s readiness if called upon.
Administering the oath of allegiance, the Board Secretary, Barr. Ugo Onyeabor, reminded the recruits of the importance of integrity and discipline, emphasising that the agency has zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline.
Barr. Ugo Onyeabor Board Secretary, Abia state Homeland Security Agency
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Chukwunenye Nwaogu Alajemba expressed optimism that the security initiative would be sustained. He noted that before the present administration, crimes such as kidnapping were on the rise, but had been brought under control through strategic interventions, including Operation Crush and other security measures introduced by the government.
In his vote of thanks, one of the recruits, Mr. Ogbonna Bright, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the governor, the board and the agency’s management for the opportunity to serve. He pledged that the recruits would uphold their oath of allegiance and discharge their duties diligently.
The agency also disclosed its emergency call centre number, 02012275492, urging members of the public to use it to report security concerns or distress situations.
The ceremony further featured prayers for the governor and the continued peace and security of Abia State.
