The Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, has unveiled Operation Kwechiri, a new special security force designed to intensify the fight against rising insecurity across the council.
The initiative—launched on Thursday at Nkpologu Ward—includes the deployment of 320 newly trained vigilantes, four patrol vehicles, and 25 motorcycles to reinforce surveillance across the 16 political wards of the LGA.
Ezugwu said the operation mirrors the sweeping security reforms of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who he praised for demonstrating “bold political will and massive investment” in safety infrastructures across Enugu State.
According to him, the state’s ongoing security overhaul—including a state-of-the-art Command and Control Center, AI-enabled surveillance cameras, the Distress Response Squad with over 150 vehicles, and high-tech drones—has set a standard Uzo-Uwani intends to follow.
Announcing the new initiative, Ezugwu declared:
“Today, we are following in our governor’s footsteps through the launch of ‘Operation Kwechiri.’ It represents our resolve not to allow any space for insecurity, crime and criminality by whatever name it goes. We are determined to continue to take the war to the agents of darkness.”
Describing the meaning behind the name, he added:
“‘Kwechiri’ reflects the resilience, doggedness, tenacity and unflinching efforts of our security personnel—our Neighborhood Watch, State Forest Guard and other federal security agencies—to protect our citizens.”
Ezugwu stressed that the operation will guarantee safety “at home, on farms, and on our roads,” and disclosed that the council purchased four security vehicles—one Hilux gun truck, three Sienna vans—and 25 motorcycles to enhance rapid response.
He also reaffirmed his personal commitment to the security of the LGA:
“We remain undeterred in protecting the lives and property of Ndi Uzo-Uwani. As I always say, I am ever ready to lay down my life for the people of Uzo-Uwani. I do not sit in the comfort of my office to give orders—I lead the fight into the thickest bushes to ensure we bring criminals under the full wrath of the law.”
Ezugwu announced plans to establish an Uzo-Uwani Command and Control Center for digital monitoring of communities and farmlands. He also revealed ongoing clearance of major roads—including Adani-Opanda-Nkpologu-Obimo Road, Uzo-Edem-Nrobo-Abi-Nimbo Road, and Uvuru-Ukpatta-Umulokpa Road—to boost security accessibility.
Beyond security, the chairman said the council is fighting unemployment by empowering over 1,000 youths and strengthening agricultural production.
Governor Mbah, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeabor, praised Ezugwu’s leadership and the improved security atmosphere in the LGA:
“Ezugwu does not just talk, but works his talk. We have been receiving complaints from the Neighborhood Watch. Today, we can see the support, empowerment and other things being provided to aid your operations.”
The Chief Security Officer, Government House, SP Osundu Ifeanyi, said the chairman had “revved up the momentum” in tackling insecurity, while Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Frank Anioma, urged security operatives to “deploy the items properly.”
The Nsukka Area Commander, Stephen Gudu, also lauded the chairman’s efforts and encouraged security personnel to justify the council’s heavy investment in safety
