...Replicates Gov. Peter Mbah's Security Model in Nkanu West
Stakeholders from Nkanu West, Nkanu East and Aninri Local Government Areas alongside the Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force for robust discussions on emerging security challenges and practical solutions.
Beyond being a routine stakeholders' engagement, the town hall reflected an intentional effort by the Nkanu West administration to institutionalize regular dialogue between security agencies and the people, reinforcing Governor Mbah's conviction that intelligence gathering, community participation and strategic collaboration remain the strongest weapons against crime.
Welcoming participants, Hon. Ogbodo praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for redefining security governance in Enugu State through visionary leadership, sustained investment and unwavering political will. He noted that the governor's commitment to protecting lives and property has continued to create an enabling environment for economic growth, infrastructure development and social stability.
The council chairman equally commended Commissioner of Police Bitrus Giwa for his professionalism, accessibility and relentless efforts in combating crime across the state. He described the Police Commissioner as a dependable partner whose leadership has strengthened public confidence in law enforcement and deepened cooperation between the police and local communities.
Addressing participants, CP Giwa reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Police Command to intelligence-led policing and community partnership. He encouraged residents to speak openly about security concerns affecting their communities, assuring them that every credible piece of information received would be treated with urgency and professionalism.
The interactive session witnessed frank conversations on issues affecting the zone, including youth involvement in drug abuse, communal disputes, allegations of homosexual activities, and the need for quicker police response to distress situations.
Responding to the concerns, the Commissioner assured participants that his office remains open to members of the public, emphasizing that effective policing depends largely on timely intelligence supplied by citizens. He also urged communities to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigeria Police Force, explaining that manpower shortages continue to limit the operational reach of the Force across the country.
On concerns raised by one of the traditional rulers regarding arrests carried out without prior notification to community leaders, CP Giwa explained that police operations are intelligence-driven and guided by operational realities. According to him, certain circumstances require immediate intervention, while in some instances traditional institutions may have been compromised or unable to effectively restrain criminal elements within their communities.
Also lending their voices, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, alongside the Executive Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, applauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for sustaining a security-first governance approach that has continued to make Enugu one of Nigeria's most peaceful states.
The council chairmen equally commended CP Bitrus Giwa and officers of the Enugu State Police Command for their sacrifice and dedication, urging residents to see security as a collective responsibility by providing timely and actionable information to law enforcement agencies.
The meeting concluded with goodwill messages delivered by HRH Okeke Kingsley (Eze Ogboha II, Igwe Kiti Kim Kim) and the Area Commander, Agbani Area Command, ACP Lateef Alabi, who praised Hon. John Ogbodo for convening the strategic engagement. They also appreciated the Commissioner of Police and his delegation for fostering direct interaction with the people, expressing confidence that the resolutions reached would further consolidate peace, strengthen public trust and enhance security across the Nkanu zone.
The town hall once again underscored Hon. John Ogbodo's resolve to align local governance with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's broader vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Enugu State, where government and citizens work hand in hand to safeguard lives, protect communities and sustain development.
