In a decisive move to consolidate peace and strengthen grassroots security, communities in Calabar South have entered into a strategic partnership with the Cross River State Homeland Safety and Security Agency, aligning traditional institutions and youth leadership with government security structures to combat crime and enhance community policing.
The collaboration was formally inaugurated, Tuesday, during a reception organised in honour of the Director General of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, and brought together the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, His Royal Majesty Etubom Effiom Nyong, all 20 clan heads, 253 village heads, and youth leaders drawn from across the local government area.
Speaking at the event, the Director – South, Homeland Safety and Security Agency, Mr. Michael Orok Nsan, described the partnership as a critical milestone in the state’s evolving grassroots security architecture. He explained that the initiative, driven by the traditional institutions, is designed to strengthen intelligence gathering, community vigilance and cooperation with formal law enforcement agencies.
“We are here to collaborate and network with the communities of Calabar South. The Paramount Ruler and the clan heads invited the Homeland Agency for this partnership,” Nsan said.
“The communities have resolved to work with us to ensure peace, security and public enlightenment. Security is everybody’s business.”
He disclosed that 100 youths have already been volunteered by the communities to serve as vigilantes across wards and villages in Calabar South. While stressing that the engagement is currently voluntary, he noted that the agency would carry out thorough background checks to ensure the credibility and integrity of the volunteers.
“They know their people; the good and the bad. That is why they have taken responsibility. We will conduct our own screening, build a database, and when the government gives full approval, proper recruitment will follow,” he explained.
Nsan reaffirmed the agency’s close collaboration with other security institutions in the state, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and the judiciary, to ensure that arrests lead to prompt investigation, prosecution and justice.
He commended Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for his foresight in sustaining the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, noting that the initiative has significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and communal violence that once threatened peace in Cross River State.
“Before this administration, kidnapping and hooliganism were prevalent. Today, the narrative has changed. Investors now see Cross River as a safe destination, and Calabar has reclaimed its status as Nigeria’s tourism capital,” he said.
On emergency response, Nsan revealed that the agency has adopted a community-based communication system using walkie-talkies and WhatsApp platforms across neighbourhood security cells to ensure rapid response to distress situations.
“Conventional hotlines often fail due to network challenges. With this system, each community has security units linked through walkie-talkies and WhatsApp groups. Once a message is dropped, nearby teams respond immediately,” he said, adding that the approach recorded nearly 100 per cent effectiveness during the December festive period.
Also speaking, His Royal Highness Muri Dr. Archibong Ika Archibong V, Muri of Iquo Nkot Lower in Efut Uwanse Clan, commended the state government for the initiative and pledged the full support of traditional institutions in sustaining peace and order.
He disclosed that the communities already operate a local vigilante group known as Uwana Utwenikan (VGN), which has been active in night patrols to curb burglary, robbery and kidnapping, and has now been integrated into the new security framework.
“All 20 clans and 253 village heads in Calabar South have resolved to work closely with the Homeland Safety and Security Agency and the state government to drastically reduce crime,” he said.
“While crime may not be completely eradicated, during this administration we will reduce it to the barest minimum. Where there is security, there is life and hope.”
Muri Archibong expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for establishing and strengthening the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, assuring the government of the unwavering support of Calabar South communities beyond the current administration.
He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements within and around the area, stressing that traditional institutions are now fully mobilised and working in synergy with security agencies to flush out criminality.
“This time, when you are operating, we are also operating. Yesterday is not like today. My advice is simple: stay clear,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Youth Leader of Efut Uwanse, Prince Charles Effiong Okon, described the partnership as a landmark step toward community-driven security and reaffirmed the commitment of youths to maintaining peace and order in Calabar South.
Kingsley Agim
