The Delta State Government says it has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach that leverages both formal and informal security mechanisms to tackle security challenges in the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu made this known when he briefed participants of Senior Course 47, 2025 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, who are on a study tour of the state.
The SSG stated that the theme of the study tour “Harnessing Grassroot Intelligence For Enhanced Internal Security” speaks directly to one of the most important pillars of the State’s security architecture.
He said the state government recognises that effective internal security is not solely a function of arms and personnel but also of information gathering, especially from those communities impacted by insecurity.
Dr. Emu said local intelligence is often the first line of defence against emerging threats such as kidnapping, oil theft, cultism, communal conflict, and rural banditry, which have ravaged communities across the country.
The SSG noted that harnessing grassroots intelligence can significantly enhance internal security by leveraging local knowledge, community insight, and citizens’ engagement
He said to adequately checkmate the activities of pirates, pipeline vandals, illegal bunkering activities which have negatively impacted on the Nation’s revenue, the state government constituted the Delta state Waterways and Land security Committee with the responsibility of enhancing peace and security through intelligence gathering, while maintaining close relationship with various security heads in the state.
Dr. Emu urged the study tour participants to study the success recorded by the state in tackling security issues, study the challenges, and share valuable insights.
Earlier in his remarks, the team leader of the study tour, Brigadier General Alhassan Grema said they were on a study tour of the state to study how the state was harnessing grassroots intelligence in enhancing internal security.
The Delta State Government is making commendable efforts to address security challenges by involving both formal and informal mechanisms. Dr. Kingsley Emu emphasized the importance of grassroots intelligence in enhancing internal security, which is crucial for tackling issues like kidnapping and oil theft. The formation of the Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee shows a proactive approach to maintaining peace and security. It’s encouraging to see the government’s focus on community engagement and local knowledge. How effective has this multi-stakeholder approach been in reducing crime rates across the state?