The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has reinforced his administration's commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven security by hosting a high-level Zonal Security Town Hall Meeting, a move widely seen as reflecting the visionary security model championed by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The strategic security engagement brought together stakeholders from Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Aninri Local Government Areas, alongside the Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, who led a high-powered delegation of senior police officers to deliberate on practical solutions to emerging security challenges across the zone.
The town hall underscored Hon. Ogbodo's belief that sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities—a philosophy that aligns closely with Governor Mbah's people-centered and technology-driven approach to securing Enugu State.
In his welcome address, Hon. Ogbodo applauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for making security the foundation upon which his administration's economic and infrastructural transformation agenda is built. He noted that the governor's unwavering investments in security have continued to position Enugu as one of Nigeria's safest and most attractive destinations for investment, business, and peaceful living.
The Nkanu West chairman also commended Commissioner of Police Bitrus Giwa for his professionalism, commitment, and strategic leadership in combating criminality across the state, describing his administration of the Police Command as one that has strengthened public confidence through improved community engagement and rapid operational response.
Addressing participants, CP Giwa urged community leaders and residents to sustain close collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing crime before it occurs. He assured stakeholders that the Enugu State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property through prompt response and community partnership.
The interactive session provided participants with an opportunity to raise pressing concerns affecting their communities. Issues discussed included drug abuse among youths, communal disputes, allegations of homosexual activities, and the need for quicker police response to emergency situations.
Responding to the concerns, the Commissioner reiterated that his office remains accessible to members of the public and encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities without fear. He further appealed to communities to motivate more young people to enlist in the Nigeria Police Force, explaining that inadequate manpower remains one of the major operational challenges confronting policing nationwide.
On concerns raised by traditional rulers regarding police operations carried out without prior notification to community leaders, CP Giwa explained that intelligence-led policing often requires operational confidentiality. He added that, in some cases, security considerations demand swift action, particularly where local institutions may have been compromised or are unable to effectively restrain criminal elements.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, alongside the Executive Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for sustaining a robust security architecture across the state. They equally praised CP Bitrus Giwa and his officers for their dedication while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The meeting concluded with goodwill messages and votes of thanks delivered by HRH Okeke Kingsley (Eze Ogboha II, Igwe Kiti Kim Kim) and the Area Commander, Agbani Area Command, ACP Lateef Alabi, who appreciated Hon. John Ogbodo for convening the strategic engagement, commended the Commissioner of Police and his team for their openness to dialogue, and expressed optimism that the resolutions reached would further strengthen peace, stability, and public safety across the zone.
