By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fegge Police Division, Onitsha, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Teddy Onyilo, has called on residents and community leaders to strengthen their cooperation with security agencies to tackle insecurity and sustain peace in their neighbourhood
Onyilo stressed that maintaining security was a collective responsibility, noting that the police alone could not effectively protect lives and property without the active involvement of members of the community
He made the call during the Annual General Security Summit of Fegge Zone One Community, held at Agulu Town Hall, Fegge, Onitsha, with the theme, “Security: The Gateway to Community Development.”
Speaking on the topic, “Security: A Right or Privilege? Using Fegge as a Case Study,” the DPO maintained that security was a fundamental right of every resident and should not be treated as a privilege.
He identified kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and cybercrime as some of the major threats capable of disrupting economic activities, community development and peaceful coexistence.
The police officer commended Fegge residents for their support and cooperation, which he said had contributed significantly to the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area.
He particularly praised the community’s security chairman for providing valuable intelligence and serving as an important link between the police and residents.
According to Onyilo, timely and credible information from members of the public has continued to strengthen police operations and improve efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He urged residents to sustain their support for security agencies, adding that since assuming duty as DPO of Fegge Police Division, he had observed encouraging levels of security consciousness and collaboration among police personnel, youth leaders and community members.
He, however, warned that obstructing security operations, withholding useful information and refusing to cooperate with security agencies could undermine efforts to prevent crime and maintain law and order.
Earlier, the Chief Security Officer of Fegge Zone One, Engr. Ohuajah Prince Sio, disclosed that the security committee assumed responsibility for security management in the zone on April 7, 2026.
He identified inadequate security awareness among residents as one of the challenges confronting the community, explaining that the committee had embarked on continuous sensitisation campaigns to address the problem.
Sio said the awareness campaign covered areas from Silas Works Road to Miss Elems Street, where residents were educated on the importance of vigilance, reporting suspicious activities and taking personal responsibility for community safety.
He noted that the initiative had improved residents’ attitudes towards security and encouraged greater participation in efforts to maintain a safe environment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Fegge Zone Stakeholders Forum, Barrister Noel Udeorji, commended the security chairman for his dedication and commitment to maintaining peace in the area.
Udeorji disclosed that the security chairman would complete two years in office on April 7, 2027, describing the summit as an opportunity to assess the community’s security efforts and equip residents with the knowledge required to address emerging security challenges.
He explained that the gathering was also aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening relationships among residents and encouraging the early identification and resolution of minor security concerns before they developed into major crises.
The stakeholders’ forum chairman further emphasised that security operations must be carried out with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of residents.
He maintained that effective community security should go beyond crime prevention to include the protection of individual rights, noting that cooperation among the security committee, residents and Fegge Police Division had helped reduce security challenges in the area.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Chairman of Ozubulu Street, Ononiwu Chiagozie, highlighted the progress recorded since the introduction of the community security structure.
He recalled that Fegge previously experienced several security challenges, including late-night movements by youths and cases of missing vehicles, which caused concern among residents.
Chiagozie said the establishment of a coordinated security arrangement had helped address some of the problems, urging residents to sustain the initiative through collective commitment, vigilance and regular security education.
The community’s Public Relations Officer, Hon. Edmund Ubah, appreciated the DPO for his insightful presentation and contributions to the success of the summit.
Ubah reiterated the need for continuous security education and active participation by residents, stressing that maintaining a peaceful environment required everyone to understand and fulfil their responsibilities rather than leaving the entire burden to security agencies.
He urged residents to sustain the spirit of cooperation demonstrated at the summit and support initiatives aimed at strengthening security and peaceful coexistence throughout Fegge.
Community leaders, security stakeholders and other residents also attended the summit.
