By Charles Muka, SP (Rtd.)
The Delta State Government, concerned by the growing wave of insecurity across the country, recently convened a Security Summit with the theme, “Security: A Collective Responsibility.” The choice of theme was apt, as security remains a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of government, security agencies and citizens alike.
At the summit, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, delivered the welcome address, while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presented the keynote address. Both speakers highlighted the increasing security challenges facing the nation and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, collaboration and synergy among stakeholders to effectively combat crime and criminality.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet delivered insightful lectures, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity. They outlined the responsibilities of citizens, communities and security agencies, while underscoring the dangers of poor coordination and inadequate stakeholder involvement in security management.
Traditional rulers were also represented at the summit. The Orodje of Okpe, the Asagba of Asaba and other royal fathers drew attention to the growing occupation of forests by criminal elements. They advocated the deployment of modern surveillance technology, particularly drones, to monitor forested areas and curb the activities of kidnappers and other marauders.
At the end of the summit, the communiqué focused largely on strengthening and equipping Forest Guards, hunters and other community-based security outfits to patrol forests and flush out criminal elements that have made farming increasingly dangerous across many parts of the state.
While the summit was commendable and timely, certain critical gaps were evident.
One of the most notable concerns was the selective invitation of community leaders. While Presidents-General (PGs) of the seven major ethnic nationalities, some autonomous communities and clan heads were invited, many other Presidents-General representing communities across the state were excluded.
This raises an important question: what is the actual grassroots reach of the invited PGs? How often do they engage directly with the communities they supposedly represent? If the objective of the summit was to promote security awareness and mobilize both urban and rural populations, then Presidents-General from all communities, whether autonomous or non-autonomous, should have been part of the conversation.
Another significant omission was the absence of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs). Although the Commissioner of Police was present and delivered a lecture, the exclusion of DPOs sends the wrong signal regarding their importance in the state’s security architecture.
DPOs are directly responsible for supervising and coordinating many of the non-state security actors, including vigilante groups, hunters and forest guards. Their operational knowledge and grassroots experience are invaluable. It is important to recognize that armed non-state actors operating without effective supervision can pose significant risks to society.
Furthermore, despite the depth of discussions at the summit, there was little focus on some of the state’s known security flashpoints and criminal hideouts.
For instance, parts of the Okpanam forests have reportedly become areas where residents are often advised to avoid entering, particularly during weekends. Similar concerns exist in the forests and farmlands around Abraka and Obiaruku, where farmers live and work under constant fear of attack.
In 2023, an Obiaruku farmer and two of his children were reportedly murdered on their farm, highlighting the dangers faced by rural dwellers. In Uweru, Ughelli, some forest areas have also become notorious for criminal activities, making them inaccessible to residents and, in some cases, even security personnel.
As a result, many farmers now approach their farms with fear and uncertainty, a situation that has implications for food production, food security and rural livelihoods.
Another critical issue that deserved greater attention at the summit was intelligence gathering and information management.
Conversations among participants repeatedly returned to the challenge of information sharing. Many citizens are reluctant to provide intelligence because they fear exposure or retaliation. Others lack confidence in the confidentiality of the reporting process. Some informants even expect rewards before volunteering useful information.
These realities underscore the need for a robust intelligence management framework that guarantees confidentiality, protects informants and encourages citizens to cooperate with security agencies without fear.
The proposal to strengthen Forest Guards, hunters and vigilante groups is understandable given the current security realities and the successes recorded by similar groups in parts of Northern Nigeria. However, many of these individuals already serve as guards in private estates, companies and commercial facilities. This makes proper coordination and supervision essential if government objectives are to be achieved.
This is where the role of DPOs becomes even more critical.
Equally important is the need for sustained logistical support for the police and other security agencies. Effective security operations require adequate funding, mobility, communication equipment and other operational resources.
Finally, while the summit emphasized inter-agency collaboration and information sharing, the reality on the ground often falls short of this ideal. Security agencies frequently operate in silos, with each seeking recognition for successes rather than pursuing coordinated action.
Until security agencies set aside institutional rivalries, embrace genuine collaboration and share intelligence seamlessly, the collective fight against insecurity may continue to fall short of expectations.
The Delta State Security Summit was a welcome initiative and an important step in the right direction. However, addressing these gaps will be crucial if future engagements are to translate into meaningful and lasting security outcomes for the people of Delta State.
Charles Muka, SP (Rtd.), Former Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State
