Rights group urges Abia Security Trust Fund to equip homeland security

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, has commended the Abia State government for establishing the Abia State Security Trust Fund, saying it would boost homeland security.

FENRAD, in a statement signed by Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, its Executive Director, however, expressed concern over what he called emerging cases of cult-related violence and other social vices in the state.

The group, which agreed that the current security framework in community policing and homeland security should be further equipped, said such an approach would help the personnel in meeting the growing complexity of the security challenges confronting local communities.

The FENRAD Executive Director, who said that “criminal elements have continued to exploit the gaps in intelligence gathering and sharing,” also called for a comprehensive evaluation of personnel structure, recruitment process, and welfare of local community vigilante groups.

Nwafor pointed out that inter-community disputes, increasing youth involvement in criminal activities, as well as cult cases in schools and neighborhoods, underscored the urgent need to fortify community policing in Abia State, especially in flashpoints.

He further said that traditional rulers, youth groups, and other concerned authorities should collaborate with security agencies by activating alarm systems for prompt intelligence gathering and sharing with security agencies.

The Abia State Security Trust Fund was last week Thursday launched in Umuahia, aimed at providing funds and equipment for security agencies to sustain the war against criminals and their camps.

Rights group urges Abia Security Trust Fund to equip homeland security