Enugu Govt. sets up surveillance team for neighbourhood watch outfits

The Enugu State Government has set-up surveillance team to monitor activities of neighbourhood watch vigilante in various communities in the state. The surveillance team is made up of  ex-service men.

The State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction, Mr Obinna Mbaeke, told NAN in Enugu on Friday that the team was set up to check misconduct and security lapses on the part of the vigilantes.

According to him, the team will help the government to engender professionalism in neighbourhood watch outfits.

“We want to check all uncomplimentary reports gathered about activities of neighbourhood watch groups.

“We also want to inculcate discipline and professionalism among them in various communities. That is why we are having only ex-service men, who clearly understand what security is all about,’’ Mbaeke said.

Mbaeke warned that his ministry would not hesitate to disengage any erring member of the neighbourhood watch or the entire group, if found culpable by the team.

The commissioner said that the team was mandated to ensure effectiveness of the vigilantes.

He said the state government had approved N100 million for the neighbourhood watch outfits in all communities in the state.

“The money is meant to support them to meet various security needs and address their challenges,’’ he added.