... Mirrors Gov. Peter Mbah’s Statewide Security Blueprint
As the festive season approaches with its expected surge in human and vehicular activities, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has rolled out a comprehensive security and traffic management plan aimed at delivering a peaceful, crime-free, and seamless Christmas celebration across the council area.
In a detailed security briefing held at the Agbani Headquarters, Hon. Ogbodo, accompanied by the Area Commander of Agbani Area Command, ACP Alibi Lateef; the DPO Ozalla Division, Mr. John Igele; and the DPO Agbani Division, Mr. Igbokwe Eze, charged members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group to remain on high alert during the festive period and to respond swiftly to any emerging security threats.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ogbodo emphasized that his administration’s proactive strategy is a direct reflection of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s visionary security reforms at the state level. He praised the governor for transforming the security architecture of Enugu State through investment in modern surveillance technology, including the recent acquisition of high-precision security drones used in monitoring forests and vulnerable areas.
According to him, “Governor Peter Mbah has raised the bar in securing Enugu State, and here in Nkanu West, we are fully aligning with his model. The governor’s deployment of surveillance drones has strengthened our confidence as all forests are now under close watch with impressive results. Our duty is to complement this great work at the grassroots level.”
Hon. Ogbodo directed the Neighbourhood Watch and other security actors to intensify patrols, boost intelligence gathering, and ensure an effective early-warning response system throughout the Yuletide season. He further disclosed that the watch group would receive their monthly stipend immediately after the meeting, an incentive he said would enhance their motivation and operational efficiency.
On traffic management, the chairman announced that critical congestion points such as Ozalla Four Corners, Agbani–Amurri Road, Orie Mba Junction in Akpugo, and other busy routes will receive special attention as part of efforts to ensure free traffic flow during the celebrations.
A multi-agency traffic task force comprising the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Civil Defence, and the Neighbourhood Watch will be inaugurated to manage movement and prevent gridlocks, particularly on peak celebration days.
In their separate remarks, ACP Alibi Lateef, DPO Igele, and DPO Eze urged the Neighbourhood Watch to remain vigilant and proactive in securing communities during the festive period. They cautioned against the use of knockouts and other explosives, warning that anyone found violating the directive would be prosecuted. They commended Hon. Ogbodo for his consistent support, describing him as “a chairman who truly understands the importance of security and takes it seriously.”
Also lending their voices, the Ozalla Unit Commander of the Road Safety Corps, Mrs. Ozioma Okeke; the Divisional Officer of the Civil Defence, Amaka Eluka; and a representative of the DSS encouraged the team to assist in managing traffic and maintaining peace in their localities. Mrs. Okeke applauded the chairman for his remarkable intervention last Christmas, noting that his logistical support played a huge role in the success of last year’s traffic management efforts.
The meeting also had in attendance the Secretary to the Local Government, Barr. Onochie Igwesi; Chief of Staff, Barr. Chidi Anih; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Chief Oz Nwobodo Agbo; Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Moses Anih, and other principal officers.
With these coordinated efforts and a security framework aligned closely with Governor Mbah’s state policy, Nkanu West Local Government Area is fully positioned to deliver a Christmas season that is peaceful, secure, and enjoyable for residents, visitors, and commuters across the council.
