The Neighbourhood Community Police has called on the Taraba State Government to grant the outfit official recognition, financial backing, and operational equipment to bolster safety across rural and mining areas. Commander Raymond Bulus made the request during the passing-out parade of 600 newly trained operatives held in Jalingo, the state capital.
What led to the appeal by the local security outfit?
Speaking at the event, Commander Bulus explained that the organisation was formed to complement the Nigeria Police Force and other security institutions through intelligence sharing and grassroots surveillance. He emphasised that formal accreditation, alongside logistics support such as patrol vehicles, office spaces, and funding, would significantly improve their capacity to counter criminal activities in remote settlements.
What were the key directives given to the new recruits?
Representing the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbeghagha, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and Planning, Uba Shehu, charged the newly graduated personnel to display utmost professionalism. The police leadership sternly warned the operatives against corrupt practices and tasked them with building strong relationships and mutual trust with the residents of their respective duty posts.
"You must show a high level of trust among colleagues and work in synergy with other security agencies to win the fight against crime in Taraba State," the commissioner stated.
How is the state government responding to grassroots security?
Hon. David Enock Usman (Gashaka), the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Community Engagement—who also serves as the Deputy Commander of Surveillance for the outfit—hauded the graduation of the 600 personnel as a vital milestone in enhancing rural protection. Usman noted that his dual role would foster better coordination between the state government, traditional rulers, and formal security agencies to ensure actionable intelligence is delivered promptly.