Edo lifts suspension on state security outfit 

The Edo State Government on Friday lifted the suspension imposed on the state security outfit and renamed it Edo State Security Corps.

The state security outfit, which was known as Edo State Security Network, was banned by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in September before the governorship election in the state.

The decision to lift the suspension was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, on Friday.

The statement added, “The decision made by the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marks a comprehensive shift in the state’s quest for enhanced safety and security.

“The suspension, which was initiated by the Inspector General of Police ahead of the September 21 2024 Gubernatorial Election, was based on the constitutional stipulation that election security is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, assisted by other sister agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

“However, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the security outfit. This move aims to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.”

The statement added, “As part of the reinstatement process, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Commander or their respective zonal offices (North, Central, South) of the Corps.

“This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the Security Corps.

“Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikilor, in a statement, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.”