Governor Otu Inaugurates Homeland Security Offices to Enhance Local Intelligence Gathering in Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has launched a statewide initiative to bolster community-based security, commissioning the Southern District office of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency in Calabar.

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This move is part of the governor's efforts to build on existing security gains, as represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, who noted that the initiative aims to address rising insecurity across Nigeria, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related violence.

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According to Chief Ironbar, the governor's administration is committed to improving security, stating that "before now, many could not sleep with their eyes closed due to insecurity, but today, the story has changed" and that this initiative will further eliminate criminal activities and enhance community safety.

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Chief Ironbar commended the volunteers, particularly Director (South) Chief Michael Nsan, for their dedication, emphasizing that the recruitment process will be thorough and community-driven to ensure credibility, and urging personnel to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities.

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The commissioning of the Southern District office is part of a larger effort, with simultaneous launches in the three senatorial districts, including Calabar for the South, Ikom for the Central, and Ogoja for the North, aiming to position the Homeland Security outfit as the first line of intelligence gathering and rapid response at the grassroots.

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Chief Michael Nsan disclosed that over 1,300 volunteers are already supporting operations in the Southern District, in collaboration with conventional security agencies, and that their efforts helped reduce crime significantly during the last festive season.

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The agency has set up strategic intelligence teams, and volunteers are undergoing training and screening for formal recruitment, according to Chief Nsan, who also noted that the state government provided 14 motorcycles to improve mobility and patrol in difficult terrains.

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Chief Nsan highlighted the importance of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, stating that it offers a vital complementary structure to security forces, which are often overstretched by nationwide threats of banditry and kidnapping.

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The agency promotes community intelligence, quicker local response, and partnership with traditional institutions, thereby enhancing overall safety, restoring public confidence, and supporting socio-economic activities, according to Chief Nsan.