Fegge DPO: Community Cooperation Key to Tackling Insecurity, Sustaining Peace

By Juliana Nwachukwu

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fegge Police Division, Onitsha, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Teddy Onyilo, has called on residents, community leaders and other security stakeholders to take collective responsibility for tackling insecurity, stressing that the protection of lives and property cannot be left to the police alone.

Onyilo said that effective security required the active participation, vigilance and cooperation of every member of the community, declaring that “security is not a one-man show.”

The DPO made the call at the weekend during the Annual General Security Summit of Fegge Zone One Community, held at Agulu Town Hall, Fegge, Onitsha, with the theme, “Security: The Gateway to Community Development.”

Speaking on the topic, “Security: A Right or Privilege? Using Fegge as a Case Study,” Onyilo emphasised that security was a fundamental right of every resident and should never be regarded as a privilege.

He identified kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and cybercrime as major security threats capable of undermining community development, economic activities and peaceful coexistence.

The police chief, however, commended residents of Fegge for their cooperation and contributions towards sustaining the relative peace currently enjoyed in the community.

He particularly praised the community’s security chairman, describing him as a critical source of intelligence and the eyes and ears of the police within the neighbourhood.

According to him, the willingness of residents and community security structures to provide timely and useful information has continued to strengthen police operations and enhance the protection of lives and property.

Onyilo urged residents not to relent in supporting security agencies, noting that since assuming duty as DPO of Fegge Police Division, he had observed a commendable level of security consciousness and collaboration among security personnel, youth leaders and members of the community.

He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere in Fegge, urging residents to sustain the existing standard of cooperation and vigilance.

He warned that obstruction of security operations, withholding useful information and failure to cooperate with security agencies could undermine efforts to prevent crime and maintain law and order.

Earlier, the Chief Security Officer of Fegge Zone One, Engr. Ohuajah Prince Sio, in his welcome address, disclosed that the committee assumed responsibility for security leadership in the zone on April 7, 2026.

He identified inadequate security education and awareness among residents as some of the challenges confronting the community, explaining that the committee had consequently embarked on sustained sensitisation campaigns to address the situation.

According to him, the campaigns covered the area from Silas Works Road to Miss Elems Street, during which residents were educated on the need to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and understand their individual responsibilities in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Sio noted that the awareness initiative had positively influenced residents’ attitudes towards security, resulting in improved consciousness and participation in community safety efforts.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Fegge Zone Stakeholders Forum, Barr. Noel Udeorji, commended the security chairman for his performance and commitment to maintaining peace in the area.

Udeorji disclosed that the security chairman would complete two years in office on April 7 next year, describing the summit as an important platform for evaluating community security efforts and equipping residents with practical knowledge to confront emerging security challenges.

He said the gathering was also designed to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen relationships among residents and encourage the early identification and resolution of minor security concerns before they escalated into major crises.

The stakeholders’ forum chairman further emphasised the need to ensure that security operations were conducted with due regard for the fundamental rights of residents.

He maintained that effective community security must not only focus on preventing crime but also respect the rights and dignity of individuals, adding that the cooperation between the security committee, residents and Fegge Police Division had helped minimise security challenges in the area.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Chairman of Ozubulu Street, Ononiwu Chiagozie, highlighted the progress recorded since the establishment of the community security structure.

He recalled that the community had previously faced several security challenges, including the late-night loitering of youths and incidents of missing vehicles, which generated concern among residents.

He said the introduction of a coordinated community security arrangement had helped address some of these challenges, stressing the importance of sustaining the structure through collective commitment, vigilance and regular security education.

The Public Relations Officer of the community, Hon. Edmund Ubah, expressed appreciation to the DPO for his insightful presentation and contributions to the success of the summit.

Ubah reiterated the importance of continuous security education and active community participation, noting that maintaining a safe environment required residents to remain conscious of their responsibilities rather than leaving the burden entirely to security agencies.

He urged residents to sustain the spirit of cooperation demonstrated at the summit and support initiatives aimed at strengthening security and peaceful coexistence across Fegge.

Among those present at the summit were the member representing Onitsha South Constituency II in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Ezenwa, who was represented by Engr. Mark Dike; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Onitsha South; and Oboo Obianuju, represented by Nancy Obiora.

Others included the Chairman of the Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, represented by Mr. Chukwuma Nwokolo; and the Patron of Fegge Zone One, Ichie Patrick Ikeotuonye, alongside other community leaders, security stakeholders and residents.