By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The State Commander of Ebonyi Neighborhood Watch, Chibonyi Nwenyi, has declared that Ebonyi State is not a safe haven for fleeing criminals, particularly those displaced by security crackdowns in Anambra and other states.
In an interview, he emphasized that security agencies in Ebonyi remain vigilant to ensure that criminals do not infiltrate the state.
“For two years now, there have been significant improvements in the security of the state, especially concerning unknown gunmen and other criminals. Crime has drastically reduced. Even when the Anambra government intensified its security measures, some criminals attempted to use Ebonyi as a hideout, but it didn’t work. Many of them, the moment they entered Ebonyi and tried to operate, were immediately apprehended,” he said.
He noted that Ebonyi’s security forces anticipated the influx of fleeing criminals and took proactive measures to prevent them from settling in the state.
“As soon as we noticed what was happening in Anambra, we tightened our security because we knew their next move would be to seek refuge in neighboring states. We also observed the movement of native doctors who engage in deceptive and criminal activities, luring youths with fake charms and rituals.
“So we acted swiftly to stop them. If we had allowed these native doctors to bring their harmful practices here, it would have encouraged crime in Ebonyi State,” Nwenyi explained.
He highlighted the strong collaboration between the Neighborhood Watch, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Civil Defence Corps, ensuring that criminals are swiftly arrested and handed over to the authorities.
“There is peace in Ebonyi State because we refuse to give criminals a chance. Day and night, we are on the ground. We have a perfect synergy with the police and civil defense. As we make arrests, we hand suspects over for proper prosecution,” he assured.
According to Nwenyi, security operatives have been monitoring criminal groups disguising themselves as security personnel while using Sienna vehicles without plate numbers. He revealed that significant arrests had been made, including a December 2024 case where multiple suspects were caught with stolen motorcycles.
*”There is a particular group on our watch list. In December 2024, we apprehended some of them and recovered over 15 motorcycles. Some were found within Ebonyi, while others were recovered in Cross River with the help of the Nigerian police.
“We have also been tracking individuals moving in Sienna vehicles without plate numbers. Any such vehicle is on our watch list.
“We don’t expose everything in the media because criminals adjust their tactics once they realize we are aware of their strategies. But I assure the public, by God’s grace, we will eliminate this trend. Soon, no vehicle will be allowed on Ebonyi roads without a plate number—whether the owner is a politician or not,”he stated.
Nwenyi further urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies.
“We have spread this information widely. If you see any unfamiliar faces in your community, please report them. Security agencies are not God—we don’t know everything. The information we receive from residents plays a crucial role in our work,” he appealed.