SSS Cautions Vigilance Group, Security Guards Against Use Of Firearms In Anambra

The Department of State Service (DSS) has cautioned members of vigilance groups and other security guards in Anambra State against incriminate use of firearms to reduce avoidable killings and injuries in the state.

The service also warned the vigilance members against the use of hard drugs and alcoholic drinks while on duty/patrol. The State Director of DSS gave the advice during a one-day capacity building workshop, in Onitsha, at the weekend, which brought together different security agencies such as vigilance groups, forest guards and hunters.

The workshop, which was organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in collaboration with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), was aimed at brainstorming on ways to tackle insecurity in Anambra State.

The director, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Chidi, commended the facilitators of the programme and member representing Onitsha North/South at the House of Representatives, Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu, who is also the House Committee Chairman on Maritime, for prioritising security. He commended the efforts of vigilance members in combating crime at the grassroots and promised to cooperate with the group in intelligence gathering, to ensure that the state is secured and safe for the residents.

In a lecture by the legal department of the Service, delivered by Osinachi and Ogechi, they advised the vigilance members to always try to apprehend a running thief than to gun him down, which may turn against the offender as murder. The vigilance members and other security guards were cautioned against use of force, intimidation of the citizens and causing tension and panic along the major roads and streets, but should be civil in discharging their duties.

“If you are using firearms, you should be alert; you should be conscious of the firearm you are bearing. Don’t be carried away, don’t follow the false hope that you are untouchable. Please try to chase and apprehend a thief and hand him over to police for prosecution, then shoot or kill the suspect. It is only a court of law that can sentence any criminal to death after the legal process.

“You should desist from use of hard drugs, use of alcohol drinks and intimidation of the members of the public. Don’t bear firearms under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol, to avoid misuse of arms and harassment of innocent citizens,” the DSS cautioned.

At the end of the workshop, the 102 vigilance members/participants received certificates and N50,000 each from Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, to support their security work in their various localities in Onitsha North and South LGA. Also, NIMASA & Anambra SEMA presented security gadgets such as batons, tasers, OC spray, handcuffs, metal detectors, boots, jackets, two-way radio as well as other materials.