The Edo State Government has commenced the training of the sixth batch of over 1500 newly recruited operatives of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network (ESSVN) as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the security architecture to combat crime and criminality.

This is as the government steps up ongoing reaccreditation exercise for over 6,500 vigilante operatives in the State who have already undertaken the training programme.

Speaking to journalists at the venue for both exercises, the Police Training School in Ogida, Col. Kole Omonia (rtd) said the training exercise will last for 10 days while that of the re-accreditation will last for three days.

He noted, “We are currently training batch six of the Edo State Vigilante Network (ESSVN) made up of 1,500 men. The exercise commenced on the 8th and will run through 18th February, 2024. This will be a 10-day training exercise for our men.

“Alongside the training, we have the re-accreditation exercise which also commenced on Friday 9th February for Edo South. It is meant to further establish the authenticity of the operatives trained so far from batches 1 to 5. The batch 6 is ongoing, covering the three senatorial districts in Edo State.

“We are training 1,500 men from the 18 local government areas comprising the 192 wards in the State. This is a continuous training exercise. When we finish the 6th, we will continue with the 7th batch.”

Omomia further noted, “I assure the citizens of the State that our men are ready to wipe out crime and criminal activities in the State and reduce it to the barest minimum as criminals will no longer exist or have the opportunity to operate in the State.

“I also assure citizens of the State that the period of the election will be safe for everyone as we will work closely with all federal security agencies in the State as we don't work in isolation but collaborate to fight crime or criminal activities in the State.”

According to him, “On Friday 9th of February 2024, the re-accreditation started for Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor and on the 10th February 2024, we did for Ovia South West, Ovia North-East and the remnant of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor LGAs.

“The re-accreditation exercise is for Edo North, Central and South Senatorial District of the State. The exercise is for the 18 local government areas of the State. Those in charge of the exercise include DSS, parts of SIB, Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, among others.”

“Since the commencement of the exercise, we have not gotten any imposter or criminal element,” he added.