Foreword by the Executive Chairman

When I assumed office as the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government in September 2024, I met a security system that had become moribund. The years 2021 and 2022 were dark periods in our history—marked by rising insecurity, lawlessness, and fear. Families avoided coming home, businesses suffered, and confidence in community safety declined.

Security restoration was, therefore, the first priority of my Six-Point Development Agenda. Within one year, Igbo-Eze North has regained peace, stability, and renewed community confidence. Today, we stand proud as one of the most peaceful and secure local government areas in Enugu State.

I deeply appreciate our security stakeholders, agencies, and community leaders for their dedication. Let us all remain vigilant—see something, say something, and report promptly to the appropriate authorities.

Hon. Engr. Michael Uchenna Ogalla (Eze Udo)

Executive Chairman, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area


Introduction

Security is the foundation of all development. It encompasses protection of life, property, livelihoods, and social well-being. This documentary highlights the major security strides achieved by the administration of Hon. Engr. Michael Uchenna Ogalla between September 2024 and September 2025, as prepared by Mr. Ali Okechukwu, JP, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Executive Chairman.


đź”° The New Dawn

Before 2024, Igbo-Eze North faced severe insecurity caused by infiltration of criminal gangs and other violent elements. Upon assuming office, the Chairman immediately prioritized the restoration of security across all 20 wards by appointing a seasoned security professional, Mr. Ali Okechukwu (DSP, rtd), as Chief Security Officer.


The administration initiated a ward-by-ward security assessment on November 5, 2024, to evaluate manpower, logistics, and the state of community vigilance structures. Findings revealed that the 20-man Neighbourhood Watch teams in all wards had become inactive. This discovery laid the foundation for a comprehensive security reform.


🔄 Re-Activation and Strengthening of the Neighbourhood Watch

The Chairman ordered the re-activation, re-training, and re-mobilization of the 20-man Neighbourhood Watch teams across the 20 wards.

Key actions included:

  1. Payment of ₦20,000 monthly stipends to each of the 400 personnel (effective February 2025).
  2. Procurement of modern security tools, uniforms, and logistics support.
  3. Funding for vehicle repairs and fueling for the Police, DSS, Army, NDLEA, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Forest Guards.
  4. Sponsorship of a four-week training programme for Neighbourhood Watch operatives.
  5. Establishment of strategic stop-and-search and boundary checkpoints at Umuopu, Ette/Kogi axis, and Ugwu Adokpe boundary.


đźš” Major Breakthroughs and Achievements

  1. Reactivation of Neighbourhood Watch Units across all 20 wards.
  2. Resumption of regular salary payments for 400 personnel.
  3. Procurement of logistics and communication equipment for field operations.
  4. Repair and maintenance of security vehicles for the Police, Army, AKS, SPF, DSS, and NDLEA.
  5. Arrest and prosecution of seven notorious armed robbers terrorizing the Enugu–Makurdi–Inyi Highway.
  6. Foiling of a major kidnapping attempt at Iyionu on March 7, 2025.
  7. Arrest of infiltrating gunmen from Olamaboro LGA through Ette.
  8. Purchase and donation of a new Hilux van for the Neighbourhood Watch Strike Force.
  9. Support to local hunters’ associations, especially in Ette, to enhance intelligence sharing.
  10. Establishment of the Farmers–Herders Peace Committee, chaired by HRH Igwe Innocent Alachi of Ette, to promote peaceful coexistence.
  11. Financial and legal support for justice in murder cases involving Igbo-Eze North indigenes.


⚖️ Central Neighbourhood Watch Operational Highlights

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the Central Neighbourhood Watch achieved the following:

  1. March 17, 2025: Arrest of two suspected kidnappers and rescue of victim, Mr. XF, at Aji Enugu-Ezike.
  2. March 12, 2025: Rescue of another kidnap victim at Imufu and arrest of four suspects.
  3. March 18, 2025: Arrest of a suspect for housebreaking and motorcycle theft at Umuopu.
  4. September 9, 2025: Arrest of a store-breaking suspect along Amufie Road.
  5. Several arrests for theft, robbery, and other crimes, with all cases transferred to the Police for prosecution.


🧭 Community and Personal Security Tips

Be Security Conscious:

  1. Always stay alert to your surroundings.
  2. Lock your doors and windows; use lighting to deter intruders.
  3. Avoid night travel and refrain from using ATMs after 10:30pm.
  4. Keep valuables secure and avoid oversharing personal information online.
  5. When you see something suspicious, say something—to the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Army, NDLEA, or other security agencies.

Written by

Mr. Ali Okechukwu, JP

Chief Security Officer

To the Executive Chairman, Igbo-Eze North L.G.A.


References

  1. Aja, Akpuru Aja (1998): Security Consciousness: Duties and Qualities of Security Operatives in Nigeria’s Transition to Civil Rule.
  2. Commassie, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu (1994): The Making of the People’s Police, NOA Publications.
  3. Dr. Prince J. Esueng (2015): A Handbook on Security Communication.