By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, says his administration has reorganized and restructured the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) to embrace professionalism and collaborate with security agencies to fight criminality in the state.
The governor disclosed this at the passing out parade of the newly reorganized ESSC members held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the State.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dannis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo said the activities of the former Corps were politicized and lacked professionalism, hence the decision to reorganize and restructure the Corps.
“Regrettably, activities of the former Corps were politicized, and it lacked professionalism. Hence, I decided to reorganize and restructure the Corps to meet set objectives,” he said.
The governor disclosed that 1,472 members of the State Security Corps have completed their two weeks rigorous training at the orientation camp.
He thanked the Nigerian Army for training the Corps, demonstrating the government’s seriousness in combating criminality and making the state safe for all.
According to the governor, security is one of the key elements of his administration’s five-point agenda. He noted that the State Government established the ESSC, 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. He said the Security Corps was established to provide support to the police and other sister security agencies.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration has established a management board to oversee the affairs of the Corps to promote discipline and welfare.
“We expect a high level of discipline and performance during and after the rigorous training,” he said.
The governor also noted that the activities of the Corps would be highly monitored, and profiling is ongoing to identify those who are fit to serve in the Corps.
“Your activities are highly monitored, and profiling is ongoing to know those who are good to serve in the corps,” he said.
The Chairman of the reorganizing committee of ESSC, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), represented by Major Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (rtd) said the organization 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,” he said.
Gen. Esekhaigbe added that the Corps is not trained to operate alone but to support other sister security agencies, ensuring peace in the state.
“With this training, the Corps is ready to support other security agencies to combat crimes and other security challenges,” he said.
In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, 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 of the newly reorganized Edo State Security Corps 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 reorganizing committee, and the acting chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Council.
