Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Promises Rewards for Security Intelligence

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched a reward scheme for citizens who provide actionable security intelligence that helps prevent crime in the state.

During a strategic engagement meeting in Uyo attended by youth leaders from every village, the governor stressed that credible information aiding security agencies in stopping crime and capturing offenders would be rewarded.

“We have always said, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Today, we are taking it a step further. If you see something, say something and win something. Credible information that helps security agencies prevent crime and apprehend criminals will be rewarded,” the governor explained, although he did not disclose the reward amount.

He also announced the integration of 2,272 Village Youth Presidents across the state into the security architecture to strengthen intelligence gathering and deepen youth participation in governance.

The governor urged the village youth presidents to perform their duties with patriotism and honesty, working closely with village heads, clan heads, paramount rulers, local government chairmen, and security agencies.

He called on them to mobilize residents for civic participation, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

The governor noted that villages remain the first line of defence, as community members are familiar with one another and can quickly spot unusual movements or suspicious activities. “Youth leaders will serve as vital links between local communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies to facilitate intelligence flow and strengthen vigilance at the grassroots,” he said.

He directed security agencies to develop comprehensive training programmes for the youth leaders and to integrate them into the state’s community security framework. He also announced plans to expand the Quick Response Force so that it covers all ten federal constituencies, enabling faster emergency response while warning that the arrangement would not protect individuals involved in unlawful acts.

He reiterated that security is a collective responsibility and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through community‑based approaches.