By Christian Njoku
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Governor Bassey Otu has launched a grassroots security intelligence network in Cross River, known as the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, to strengthen community-based surveillance and enhance safety across the state.
Otu who inaugurated the agency’s office in the Southern Senatorial District on Monday in Calabar said similar offices were being inaugurated in the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, the governor stated that the officials of the agency would serve as the primary point of contact before matters were escalated to the state’s main security architecture.
He described Homeland Security as an intelligence-driven structure focused on neighbourhood monitoring and early threat detection through coordinated local efforts.
He said the initiative establishes directors and field operatives tasked with gathering and forwarding intelligence to relevant security agencies for prompt action.
He noted that the network would serve as a first point of contact before intervention by conventional security agencies.
“It is important that we enhance monitoring of movements across our communities, border areas, and riverine zones to identify suspicious activities and enhance security response.
“The state government will provide necessary gadgets and communication tools to improve efficiency and real-time intelligence sharing,” he said.
He called for public cooperation, stressing that security was a collective responsibility requiring timely information from residents.
Speaking further the governor said to ensure that the security outfit works like a model unit, proper screening would be conducted on the volunteers to weed out undesirable elements from the system.
He also used the opportunity to hand over 14 motorbikes to the agency’s Southern Senatorial District office to enhance their efficiency on the job
Similarly, Michael Nsan, Director-General of the South of the agency, said the volunteers had played key roles in reducing crime through coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing.
Nsan said over 1,300 volunteers currently support operations, with additional informants providing critical information across communities.
“Crime rates dropped significantly during the last festive period due to our collaboration with law enforcement agencies in the state,” he said.
The DG asserted that volunteers would undergo training and screening, with plans underway for formal recruitment through a government employment portal.
He said communication tools, including walkie-talkies, and patrol motorcycles had improved rapid response to security incidents.
He commended the governor’s commitment, noting that the initiative would further strengthen security architecture and community safety across the state.
