Edo State has rolled out a comprehensive community-driven security framework aimed at strengthening neighbourhood vigilance and enhancing public trust, as the Police Command formally launched its Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in Benin City. This is contained in a statement signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command.
The initiative, unveiled on 9 December at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, is being hailed as one of the most decisive steps yet towards inclusive, intelligence-led policing in the state. Stakeholders at the event described the programme as a timely intervention that places citizens at the heart of crime prevention.
Chaired by Rev Dr Isaac Itsegoshemen (JP), the launch underscored the urgency of collaborative security management. He applauded the CSP as a strategic tool capable of strengthening cooperation, rebuilding confidence, and improving the flow of critical intelligence between communities and law enforcement.
Conceived by the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, the CSP seeks to expand policing reach across all localities while encouraging residents to take active ownership of their neighbourhoods’ safety. Under his leadership, the Edo Command has prioritised trust-building and partnership-based policing as core pillars of its security strategy.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Rt Hon Festus Ebea, reaffirmed the state government’s strong support for the initiative. He praised the Command’s proactive posture and stressed that community engagement remains central to sustaining peace and deterring crime.
The well-attended event brought together senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business executives, security professionals, and community representatives, signalling broad consensus on the need for collective vigilance.
In their remarks, CP Agbonika, the CSP Chairman, and the Governor’s representative described the platform as a powerful mechanism for improving intelligence-sharing, enhancing crime-prevention strategies, and strengthening statewide security collaboration.
The Edo State Police Command called on residents to fully embrace the CSP, emphasising that effective policing is most successful when citizens and security agencies work hand in hand.