₦airaland Forum

“Operation Know Your Neighbour”: Civil Defence Community Launches Grassroots Security Initiative in Ebonyi

By Einstein Chukwu

In a bold move to reinforce community security and deepen inter-agency collaboration in Ebonyi State, the Civil Defence Community (CDC), an outreach arm of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has launched a grassroots initiative tagged Operation Know Your Neighbour. The campaign seeks to mobilise citizens in active security vigilance and intelligence sharing.

Flagging off the initiative, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Francis Nnadi Chika, described the programme as a timely response to the growing need for community-based security architecture. “This is a call to the grassroots. Operation Know Your Neighbour means recognising your neighbour and being aware of their activities. When you know your neighbour, you know who may be involved in crimes like vandalism, illegal mining, cultism, or cybercrime. If you see something, say something,” he said.

Nnadi stressed that the CDC exists to give a voice to the voiceless and ears to those who have none. “Security should be at everyone’s doorstep—from the powerful to the powerless. This programme is not exclusive to civil defence. All sister security agencies and citizens must come together to fish out perpetrators of crime and safeguard lives.”

He noted that no security agency operates with magical foresight. “We are not spirits. We cannot see what is happening in every corner of Ebonyi. That’s why we’re calling on residents—traders, youths, elders, farmers—to become informants and watchdogs for their communities. Your information will be treated with confidentiality, and swift action will follow.”

On his part, Hon. Richard Ugo Idike, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, lauded the initiative as an inclusive security campaign. “Security personnel alone cannot rid our communities of criminal elements. When you know your neighbour, you know what they’re capable of. Reporting them when they’re involved in crime helps create a safer society for all.”

He warned against the culture of silence that shields criminals from exposure. “When you refuse to speak out, you empower wrongdoers. Let us all take responsibility for security. Watch, report, and support our security officers. Their effectiveness depends on timely and accurate information from the public.”

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ebonyi State, Corps Commander Tony Ogodo, also applauded the Civil Defence’s leadership. “This initiative is commendable. When you know who your neighbour is—be it a lawyer, doctor, or criminal—you can act accordingly. It is the duty of every citizen to expose criminal elements in their community.”

Ogodo expressed optimism that the initiative, if embraced by all, could reshape Nigeria’s security landscape. “Criminality is our society’s greatest threat. If we do not address it head-on, it will consume us like a tsunami. I commend the NSCDC and hope this operation will be sustained.”

Also lending military support, Lieutenant Chiokoro, who represented the Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Lt. Col. Bako, noted that community-based operations are critical to military intelligence and collaboration. “This is very vital to us. We depend on citizens to connect with us. We are ready to respond at any time to support sister agencies and restore peace.”

Nshii Chika Samuel, Officer in Charge of Customer Service, NSCDC Ebonyi, underlined the power of information in proactive crime fighting. “Information is the game-changer. A single report can prevent a crime or expose a syndicate. Citizens must be alert, observant, and willing to report suspicious movements or characters.”

According to him, “Any information provided will be thoroughly investigated. If found guilty, offenders will face the full wrath of the law. Timely tips can help us arrive at a crime scene quickly and prevent loss of life or property.”

The Civil Defence Community, through this initiative, aims to bridge the gap between the people and law enforcement agencies. The campaign also seeks to build a robust intelligence network to protect vital national infrastructure such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation.

The CDC is also reinforcing collaboration among security agencies to combat illicit activities including arms trafficking, illegal mining, ritual killings, and cyber fraud. With enhanced surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and rapid-response frameworks, the corps hopes to significantly reduce crime rates.

As Operation Know Your Neighbour rolls out across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State, residents are urged to embrace the campaign as a civic duty. The initiative, according to stakeholders, will only thrive when trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility are the guiding principles.