National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Benue State Government has recruited ex-servicemen and women to enhance its security agency, now named the “Benue State Civil Protection Guard.”
This move follows the previous administration’s creation of the “Benue State Community Volunteer Guards” and “Livestock Guards,” designed to enforce the anti-open grazing law, which have now been merged into one organisation.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affair, Chief Joseph Har, announced that the inclusion of former military personnel, police officers, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is intended to bolster the command structure and infuse discipline and professionalism into the force.
Har, addressing journalists after a workshop with the veterans and current operatives in Makurdi, emphasized the need for the existing operatives to learn from the experiences of the veterans in tactics and professional conduct to create a more effective security force.
He reassured current commanders that their positions were secure, explaining that they would continue to serve under the guidance of the veterans who will supervise them. The veteran recruits will offer training in ethics, conduct, human rights, and issues like drug trafficking.
Additionally, Har revealed the establishment of a new unit called the ‘Civil Protection Guard Quick Rapid Squad,’ whose operatives are currently undergoing training to support other security agencies in addressing crime in Benue communities.
