The Enugu State Security Trust Fund says it requires about ₦5 billion annually to effectively support security operations across the state’s 260 political wards.
The Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) says it requires about ₦5 billion annually to effectively support security operations across Enugu State.
Chairman of the fund, Ike Chioke, disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu during a town hall meeting organised by the fund to update residents on its activities and funding needs.
Chioke explained that the annual funding target would enable the deployment and maintenance of community-based security personnel across the state’s 260 political wards.
According to him, the plan is to support the payment of at least 20 security personnel per ward, stressing that effective security requires more than just equipment.
“We need to be able to raise at least ₦5 billion every year for the fund to work efficiently,” Chioke said.
“If you think about the 260 wards in the state and place about 20 security officials in each ward, paying even ₦20,000 per person monthly, you can work out what that amounts to.”
He emphasised that security required “boots on the ground” – personnel capable of monitoring communities, identifying unusual activities and promptly reporting threats.
Chioke described the trust fund as a public–private partnership, noting that while the state government provides support, residents, organisations and the private sector are expected to contribute to sustain the initiative.
He, however, expressed concern that several donors who pledged funds during the 2025 fundraising campaign had yet to fulfil their commitments.
According to him, although about ₦3 billion was pledged, only ₦1.3 billion has been redeemed so far.
“Some people announced donations of up to ₦100 million but have not paid a kobo,” he said, appealing to individuals and corporate bodies to fulfil their pledges.
Chioke said the fund, inaugurated by Governor Peter Mbah on February 13, 2024, had already established its operational framework, including a website and payment portal for contributions from residents and members of the diaspora.
He said funds realised so far had been used to procure security equipment to strengthen operations.
The items include two surveillance drones with infrared cameras, 10 Hilux patrol vehicles, 40 motorcycles for forest guards, and 400 bulletproof vests and helmets.
According to him, the equipment has helped security agencies tackle threats such as kidnapping and farmer–herder conflicts.
Chioke added that available statistics showed incidents of kidnapping and related crimes in the state had dropped by more than 80 percent since the current administration assumed office.
Representing the governor at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the ESSTF board for creating a platform that allows citizens to participate directly in strengthening security.
Onyia said the establishment of the fund was part of the state government’s strategy to build a sustainable security architecture based on transparency, accountability and collaboration.
He added that improved security had helped stimulate economic activities in the state, contributing to the growth of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Vincent Onyeabor, said the government was actively addressing security concerns across the state, noting that criminals often move between states to commit crimes.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, urged the government to publicly showcase suspects arrested through surveillance drone operations to boost public confidence.
He also called for the involvement of traditional rulers in the recruitment of forest guards to strengthen community participation in security efforts.
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