By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) is said to need about N5billion annually to effectively support security operations within Enugu State.
This was made known by the Chairman of the Fund, Dr Ike Chioke, in Enugu during a town hall meeting to brief residents and stakeholders on its activities, achievements, and funding needs.
Chioke explained that the target was necessary to sustain a community-based security structure in the 260 political wards within the state, stressing that effective security requires not only equipment but also sufficient personnel on the ground.
The plan is to deploy at least 20 security personnel in each ward, whose responsibility would be to monitor communities, detect unusual activities, and promptly relay intelligence to security agencies, according to him.
He said: “We need to raise at least N5 billion every year for the fund to function efficiently. If you consider the 260 wards in the state and deploy about 20 security personnel in each ward, paying each of them monthly, the financial implication becomes clear.”
He emphasised that security requires “boots on the ground”, describing community-based intelligence gathering as a critical component of effective crime prevention. Chioke further explained that the Fund operates as a public-private partnership, where the government provides support while citizens, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders contribute resources to strengthen the state’s security network.
The chairman, however, expressed concern that several donors who made public pledges during the 2025 fundraising drive had yet to redeem their commitments. According to him, “During the fundraising, about N3 billion was pledged, but only around N1.3 billion has been redeemed so far. Some people announced donations of up to N100 million but have not paid a kobo.”
Chioke pleaded with residents, businesses, and members of the diaspora to support the initiative, emphasising that collective contributions from many citizens can significantly strengthen security across the state. He recalled that the Fund, inaugurated by Governor Peter Mbah in February 2024, had since established a functional operational framework, including a dedicated website and payment portal to facilitate contributions from individuals and organisations.
He said that funds realised so far have been deployed to procure security equipment to enhance operations across the state. The items include two surveillance drones equipped with infrared cameras, 10 Hilux patrol vehicles, 40 motorcycles for forest guards, and 400 bulletproof vests and helmets.
He added that the equipment had significantly strengthened ongoing efforts to tackle security threats such as kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts, noting that statistics indicate that incidents of kidnapping and related crimes in Enugu State have dropped by over 80 percent since the current administration came into office.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the board of the Trust Fund for creating a platform that enables citizens to actively participate in strengthening security in the state.
Prof. Onyia said the establishment of the ESSTF forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to build a sustainable security architecture anchored on transparency, accountability, and collaboration between government and citizens. He noted that the improved security environment in the state had helped stimulate economic activities, contributing to the significant growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in recent years.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Vincent Onyeabor, said the government continues to address security concerns across different parts of the state, noting that criminal elements often move across state borders to perpetrate crimes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, called for greater public visibility of suspects arrested through the deployment of surveillance drones and other security operations in order to strengthen public confidence.
He also urged that traditional rulers be involved in the recruitment of forest guards, stressing that community participation remains essential in sustaining security across the state.
