Law enforcement, company team up to enhance safety in Imo oil region

A significant boost to security in oil-producing communities was witnessed on Tuesday with the inauguration of a new police operating base in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, courtesy of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso.

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The facility, which was built and donated by Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited as part of its corporate social responsibility, is set to enhance policing and protect lives and assets in the area, equipped with modern features such as an administrative block, detention facility, and advanced electronic equipment.

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The police base also comprises an interrogation room and officers’ quarters, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and ensure the optimal use of the facility, as noted by Bosso during the inauguration.

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Bosso commended Anoh Gas Processing Company Limited for its intervention, assuring that adequate personnel would be deployed to the station to ensure the facility is fully utilised to enhance security in the community.

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He also called on residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities, stating, “I deeply commend the AGPC for this facility, and we will ensure that it is fully utilised to enhance security in this community.

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Bosso further urged residents to support the police with useful information to keep everyone safe, reiterating the importance of community participation in maintaining security.

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The traditional ruler of Assa, Eze Emmanuel Assor, Odozi Obodo II, welcomed the project, describing it as timely and critical to the community’s safety, noting that it would help deter criminal activities and strengthen peace in the area.

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He urged residents to take ownership of the facility by cooperating fully with security agencies and remaining vigilant at all times, stating, “This police post is a welcome development for our community, and security is a collective responsibility.

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Eze Emmanuel Assor added that the community must work with the police to ensure that peace is sustained in Assa, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining security.

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Community leaders and stakeholders present at the event praised the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards improving safety in the oil-bearing community, with the Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Prince Marcel Amadioha, praising the company for prioritising the security of its host community.

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A representative of the company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting host communities through projects that promote safety, peace, and development, underscoring the company's dedication to its social responsibility.

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Earlier, the President General of Assa Town Union, Chief Reward Evans, had called for enhanced security presence in the community, citing rising investments and expanding socio-economic activities driven by major oil and gas projects, including those executed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

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Evans noted that the Assa Autonomous Community has enormous investments in oil and gas, agriculture, hospitality, and real estate, triggered by the generational projects of two giant gas plant projects, which have also heightened security concerns.

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He stressed that the burdens of harnessing these abundant human and material resources, including the heightened flow of funds and personnel, population growth, and pressure on existing social amenities, constitute enhanced security and safety challenges.

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Evans emphasized the need for improved security, stating, “There should be round-the-clock activities of security agencies, with more manpower, gadgets, and tools for effective policing,” warning that without adequate protection, the growing investments in the community could face disruption.

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Other dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chairman of the Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Mrs Elizabeth Oparah, the Chief of Staff to the traditional ruler, Mr Eric Nwaulu, and the Chairman of the AGPC Host Community Development Board, Mr Asilonu Utiti, as well as palace chiefs and community leaders.