By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
In a bid to strengthen grassroots security and support the fight against crime across communities, the Edo State Government has announced the reorganization and restructuring of the State Security Corps.
The initiative aims to make the security outfit more effective and efficient in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, the government has launched an open recruitment exercise to enlist only qualified and competent residents into the revamped Corps.
He did not disclose whether the current members of the Corps will be disbanded. However, he confirmed that the recruitment will run from May 5 to 11, 2025, and is open to individuals who are passionate about the security and safety of their communities.
Mr. Ohonbamu added that a committee has been constituted to handle the recruitment and training of eligible applicants, who are expected to be drawn from every local government area in the state. These include local hunters, vigilantes, retired military and police officers, and other interested residents, including long-term non-indigene settlers.
To qualify, applicants must possess a basic educational background, be of sound mind, physically fit, have no criminal record, and must not be affiliated with any secret cult. They are also required to provide two references known within their community, three close acquaintances, and two guarantors—specifically the Local Government Chairman and a religious leader (Pastor or Imam). Previous experience in the security sector will be considered an added advantage.
The government stressed that the committee has full discretion to disqualify any applicant deemed unfit and will not entertain external nominations or interference.
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