The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said the South East Governors launched the security outfit, codenamed Ebube Agu, to combat the security challenges in the region.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Sunday, the governor said the headquarters and central command of the security outfit will be located in Enugu State.
According to the governor, Ebube Agu which means the presence of a lion connotes protection, territorial authority, strength, and power
Ikpeazu said operatives of Ebube Agu would oversee and monitor the activities of vigilante groups in the South East.
Speaking on its modus operandi, Ikpeazu said that the new outfit would be rural-based, and it is also going to be intelligence-based.
Ikpeazu, however, did not either confirm or deny if the personnel of Ebube Agu would bear arms and wear uniforms
According to Ikpeazu, what is of importance is that he and his colleagues from the other four states in the region would cooperate to ensure that operatives of Ebube Agu would be properly equipped.
He said: “Ebube Agu would be a security outfit both in name, purpose, and action. They will be properly equipped. I want to assure you that all the states in the southeast already has various vigilante outfits.
“We want to call for a harmonised synergised system of action to be able to compare notes to be able to set up digital platforms that can respond to communication challenges.”
“It means today we have come together to synergise and see how best we can protect lives and properties of citizens within this geopolitical zone.
“Security situation across Nigeria as it is today is dynamic. We are just trying to respond to our peculiar circumstances in the southeast. We are not copying from any geopolitical zone.”
