In a strategic meeting aimed at bolstering the security architecture of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo and the newly appointed Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, have outlined a collaborative framework to combat insecurity. The meeting, held at the Government House in Benin, moved beyond ceremonial pleasantries to address specific operational needs and state-level support, signaling a proactive approach to regional safety.
Governor Okpebholo unequivocally affirmed his administration’s paramount objective: “The security and protection of the people and property of Edo are very important to us.” This commitment translates into a promise of “full cooperation and support” for the military. The governor’s pledge is particularly significant given the complex security challenges in Southern Nigeria, which range from kidnapping and armed robbery to communal clashes and herder-farmer conflicts. His directive to the new commander—”help us secure a new Edo, free from insecurity”—frames security not as a standalone issue but as the foundational bedrock for all other development agendas.
The discussion yielded concrete, actionable points. A key revelation was the state’s investment in technology. “In the area of drones, we are procuring multifunctional ones with good capabilities. Very soon, we will deliver on that,” Okpebholo stated. This move towards technology-driven operations, as emphasized by both leaders, represents a modern shift from purely kinetic military responses. Multifunctional drones can provide persistent surveillance over forests and remote highways, gather forensic evidence after incidents, and disrupt criminal movements, offering a force multiplier for ground troops.
Brigadier-General Balogun, in his first major engagement since assuming command, pledged to consolidate the existing civil-military relationship. His approach was both diplomatic and practical, commending the governor’s “passion for security” while immediately identifying critical infrastructure gaps requiring state intervention. His requests were strategically focused on the welfare and operational efficiency of his troops: the completion of the Ekenwa Barracks Road and the renovation of the Brigade School. Such infrastructure is not merely about convenience; a accessible barracks improves rapid deployment times, while a quality school assures personnel that their families are cared for, directly boosting morale and operational focus.
Governor Okpebholo positioned security within his broader governance vision, listing ongoing road construction projects alongside the drone procurement. This is a critical insight: enhanced mobility from better roads facilitates both economic activity and faster security responses, creating a virtuous cycle of development and safety. He encouraged open communication, urging Balogun to “not hesitate to draw his attention to any operational challenges,” establishing a direct channel for problem-solving.
The high-level attendance—including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, and the Permanent Secretary for Protocol—underscored the meeting’s importance. It was a clear signal that the state’s entire bureaucratic apparatus is aligned behind the security effort. As both parties move from promises to implementation, the focus will be on the timely delivery of the promised drones, the swift execution of the barracks projects, and the tangible impact of this reinforced partnership on the safety and confidence of Edo residents. The collaboration sets a precedent for how state governments can actively enable, rather than merely request, military effectiveness in internal security operations.
(Based on a NAN report edited by Sam Oditah)
About Author
