Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially reinstated the Edo State Security Corps, a move aimed at enhancing the security and protection of lives and property across the state.
The Edo State Security Corps had previously been suspended in September 2024 by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, due to preparations for the state’s last governorship election. The suspension was part of measures to centralize security management during the elections.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the reinstatement of the security outfit is a strategic decision to strengthen the state’s overall security framework and safeguard its residents from emerging threats.
“This decision by the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represents a significant shift in Edo State’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all its citizens,” the statement read.
“The suspension of the Corps, which was implemented by the Inspector General of Police ahead of the September 21, 2024 Gubernatorial Election, was based on constitutional provisions assigning election security exclusively to the Nigeria Police Force, supported by other sister agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“With the gubernatorial elections now concluded, the state government has evaluated the current security landscape and deemed it essential to restore the operations of the Edo State Security Corps. This reinstatement is designed to fortify the state’s security apparatus and provide enhanced safety measures for the populace.”
As part of the reinstatement process, the government has issued a directive requiring all returning officers of the Edo State Security Corps to report immediately to their respective zonal offices or the office of the State Corps Commander for redeployment and operational briefing.
“This directive is intended to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the effective deployment of the reinstated security personnel across all zones—North, Central, and South—of the state,” Itua added.
The move has been widely welcomed as a proactive step toward addressing security challenges and fostering a safer environment for Edo State residents.
