Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, said that 1,472 members of the Edo State Security Corps have completed their two-week rigorous training at the orientation camp.
The governor stated that the training is in line with his administration’s resolve to reorganise and restructure the corps to embrace professionalism and collaborate with security agencies to fight criminality in the state.
The governor made this known on Thursday at the passing out parade of the members of the state security outfits in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area.
Represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo said the activities of the former Corps were politicised and lacked professionalism, hence the decision to reorganise and restructure the Corps.
“A total of 1,472 members of the Edo State Security Corps have completed their two-week rigorous training at the orientation camp and are ready to boost security in the state
“Regrettably, activities of the former corps were politicised, and it lacked professionalism. Hence, I decided to reorganise and restructure the Corps to meet set objectives.”
He thanked the Nigerian Army for training the corps, demonstrating the government’s seriousness in combating criminality and making the state safe for all.
The governor said security is one of the key elements of his administration’s five-point agenda. He noted that the state government established the Edo State Security Corps, backed by the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law 2024, to assist the police in intelligence gathering and low-level operations to combat crime.
The governor expressed his administration’s concern over security challenges in the state, noting that existing security agencies were over-stretched, noting that the Edo State Security Corps was established to provide support to the police and other sister security agencies.
The Chairman of the reorganising committee of Edo State Security Corps, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd), represented by Major Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (retd), said the organisation and training of the Corps is to ensure they are more effective and efficient in the performance of their duties.
“The training commenced on the 22nd of May 2025, and personnel recruited were drawn from 13 local government areas which cut across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.
“With this training, the Corps is ready to support other security agencies to combat crimes and other security challenges,” he said.
The training of the Edo State Security Corps is a significant milestone in the Corps’ drive for a safe state.
The Corps has been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support sister security agencies in combating crimes and other security challenges.
The passing out parade marks a new beginning for the Corps as it has been restructured to meet the demands of complex security emergencies, and is expected to make a significant impact in the state’s security landscape.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Commander of 4 Bridge Nigeria Army Benin, members of the reorganising committee, and the acting chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area.