By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Fegge Police Division, Onitsha, Anambra State, Teddy Onyilo, has urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent crime and sustain peace in their communities.

Onyilo also reiterated that police bail is free, warning officers against demanding money from suspects or their relatives before granting bail in cases where the law permits it.

The DPO gave the advice while speaking as a resource person at a one-day security seminar organized by residents of Fegge Zone 1 Community at Agulu Town Hall, Fegge, Onitsha.

The seminar, themed “Security: The Gateway to Community Development,” focused on strengthening community participation in crime prevention and improving collaboration between residents and security agencies.

Speaking on the topic, “Security: A Right or Privilege,” Onyilo explained that security was indispensable to human existence, stressing that every individual had a responsibility to remain alert to developments within their environment.

He noted that security consciousness was a fundamental right and an important tool for preventing criminal activities, urging residents not to ignore suspicious movements or unusual behaviour around their neighbourhoods.

According to him, residents should promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police or other relevant security agencies for immediate investigation and necessary action, warning that delays in reporting security threats could have serious consequences.

“Bail is free, especially in cases of affray. Any policeman who demands money for the bail of a suspect should be reported directly to me,” he said.

He, however, clarified that certain offenses were not ordinarily bailable at the police station and could only be considered by a court, citing murder, arson and armed robbery as examples.

On movement within the community, the DPO acknowledged that citizens had freedom of movement but advised residents and local security personnel to pay attention to unusual movements, particularly at odd hours.

He stressed the importance of handling such situations peacefully and responsibly, with security operatives encouraged to make appropriate inquiries where necessary rather than resorting to intimidation.

Onyilo commended the Fegge Zone 1 leadership for organizing the seminar, describing sustained security education and regular interaction between the police and residents as essential to effective community policing.

He urged the organizers to make the programme a continuous exercise to deepen public awareness, build trust and strengthen cooperation in tackling criminal activities.

Earlier, the Chairman of Fegge Zone 1 Community, Ohuajah Prince SIO, disclosed that the seminar was the second in the series initiated by his administration to improve security awareness among residents.

He said the community leadership, which assumed responsibility for security management on April 7, 2026, identified the need to strengthen security education and encourage residents to take collective responsibility for protecting their neighbourhood.

According to him, the leadership subsequently embarked on security awareness meetings covering areas from Silas Works Road to Miss Elems Street, sensitising residents on the importance of vigilance, timely information-sharing and community participation.

He explained that the awareness campaign helped change residents’ attitudes towards security and encouraged greater cooperation in addressing potential threats.

Ohuajah recalled that the community’s first security seminar featured the then DPO of Fegge Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Efion Okon, who has since been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), alongside Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Victory Chibueze.

He said the decision to sustain the programme was informed by the community’s recognition of security education as a critical component of development.

The chairman further disclosed that the State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, was expected to participate as a special guest lecturer at the latest seminar but could not attend.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Stakeholders in the zone, Noel Udoji, commended Ohuajah for his commitment to improving security in the community.

Udoji said participants had gained valuable knowledge from the presentations, expressing optimism that the lessons would strengthen their capacity to identify and address security challenges before escalating them to the police.

He added that the community was making progress in security management and that the knowledge acquired would further assist residents in preventing criminal activities.

Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the community, Edmond Uba; Chairman of the Planning Committee and Chairman of Ozubulu Street, Ononiwu Chigozie; and a patron, Ichie Patrick Ikeotuonye, expressed satisfaction with the seminar.

They said the initiative would promote greater security awareness, strengthen community cooperation and contribute to reducing crime across Fegge Zone 1.

The participants called for sustained collaboration between residents, community leaders and security agencies to ensure lasting peace and safety in the area.