Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, announced his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to revitalize the Police College in Oji River and the Police Detective College in Enugu City. The goal is to restore these institutions to centers of excellence and strengthen the fight against crime and insecurity.
Governor Mbah made this statement on Tuesday during a visit to the Government House, Enugu, by the management of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, led by Executive Secretary Mohammed Sheidu, along with senior officials from the Nigeria Police, including Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training, DIG Frank Mba.
“We prioritize security as our foremost concern in the state. This is crucial as we have ambitious plans for economic growth, which depend on a robust private sector. However, the private sector cannot thrive in an environment riddled with security risks; they can handle financial and commercial risks, but not insecurity.
“We are excited to engage with you, as our objectives align in enhancing police capacity and welfare.
“Crime-fighting has evolved beyond simply waiting for criminals. Technology now enables us to achieve significant advancements in crime prevention and response. We have heavily invested in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, including a cutting-edge surveillance camera system. Our AI-embedded CCTVs assist in tracking criminals through our Distress Response Squad (DRS).
“We have also trained officers directly associated with the DRS. However, we recognize there is much more to accomplish, particularly regarding the revival of the Police Detective College, which is vital for our training initiatives.
“The training and objectives you bring align perfectly with our aspirations. We are more than willing to partner with you,” Governor Mbah stated.
Earlier, Mr. Sheidu explained that the team was in Enugu State as part of a nationwide assessment of police training institutions. He emphasized that the Police College in Oji River and the Police Detective College have historically produced some of the finest officers in the Nigeria Police and need to be restored to their former glory.
“These esteemed institutions, built on a legacy of excellence, deserve modernization to meet global standards. We must ensure our police officers receive top-tier training and resources to tackle today’s complex security challenges.
“Our visit today honors this legacy and seeks to propose collaboration with your government for the necessary upgrades that will transform these institutions into world-class centers of excellence. With your support, we can enhance the infrastructure, improve the curriculum, and equip these training schools with the technology and tools essential for producing highly skilled officers capable of protecting our communities more effectively,” he said.
Sheidu also mentioned that the Fund is collaborating with the Family Homes Fund and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to provide housing for police personnel in Enugu State and their families, as well as facilitate their engagement in agriculture.
“Additionally, we aim to develop farm clusters that will provide a source of livelihood for the wives and families of our police officers. These farms will not only sustain their households but also enhance food security for both Enugu State and the nation. By fostering agricultural activities, the families of our police personnel will contribute to local food production, bolstering the state’s economy and fostering a more resilient, self-sufficient community,” he concluded.
