In a major move to strengthen grassroots security and combat rising criminal activities, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled the restructured Edo State Security Corps, with 1,472 personnel officially graduating after completing a rigorous two-week training program.
Speaking during the passing-out parade held at the orientation camp in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated that the revamped corps reflects his administration’s resolve to instill professionalism, eliminate political influence, and build strategic collaborations with conventional security agencies.
“Regrettably, the former structure of the corps was politicised and lacked professionalism,” he said. “This reorganisation is a deliberate step to restore credibility and efficiency, in line with our five-point development agenda.”
The newly trained operatives were drawn from 13 local government areas across Edo’s three senatorial districts and were trained under the supervision of the Nigerian Army. The exercise, which began on May 22, 2025, aims to equip the corps with the skills and discipline required to support the police and other sister agencies in intelligence gathering and low-level operations.
Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd), chairman of the corps’ reorganising committee, represented by Maj. Gen. Victor Ebhaleme (retd), reiterated that the restructuring and training were done to ensure the corps’ effectiveness in addressing present and emerging security threats in the state.
“This is a milestone in Edo’s security landscape,” he said. “With this training, the corps is ready to support existing security architecture and respond swiftly to crime and other safety challenges.”
The event drew the presence of top security officials, members of the reorganising committee, the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the acting chairman of Ovia North East LGA.
With its legal foundation rooted in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law of 2024, the newly energised corps is expected to be a game-changer in ensuring a safer, more secure Edo State.
