The first batch of Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps comprising 603 trainees were Thursday inaugurated by Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The corps came into existence in December 2021 when Governor Diri signed the bill establishing it into law.
The law streamlines the operations of the state’s security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, the Bayelsa State Volunteers and the Bayelsa vigilante into an umbrella body.
The personnel are mandated to work closely with security agencies in the protection of lives and property.
Speaking at the launch/graduation ceremony, Governor Diri enjoined them to operate within the rules of engagement and not operate as tax collectors, settlers of land disputes or domestic issues but rather work with statutory security agencies to rid the state of criminals.
He also urged security agencies to work in synergy with the corps as they would be invaluable in crime fighting in the rural areas.
Diri noted that its establishment was in line with his administration’s mantra of prosperity where Bayelsans and other residents would live and work without fear due to crime.
“There is no arguing that you are trained to work in a symbiotic relationship with the federal security agencies in your communities, local government and generally in our state. Security commanders and chiefs are enjoined to relate with the Community Safety Corp members.
“Crime fighting is a collective effort and requires credible intelligence for security agencies to efficiently carry out their statutory obligation.
“The community corps is designed to support, partner and collaborate with the statutory federal security agencies in efforts to rid the state of crime and criminal elements.”
