‘Nothing Happens Here Unnoticed’: Asagba Reaffirms Asaba Security Vigilance
By NWAFOR AZINGE
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Asaba Community to strengthening security through intelligence gathering, community vigilance and closer collaboration with security agencies.
The monarch spoke when he received the Commandant of the Defence Intelligence College, Commodore Usman Mainasara Bugaje, and trainees of the institution during their national study tour to Asaba.
Prof. Azinge said security remains a major priority for the traditional institution and the wider community.
He explained that Asaba had developed mechanisms for gathering information and transmitting intelligence quickly to the Palace.
According to him, the community takes intelligence gathering seriously because early information can help prevent security threats and maintain peace.
“Intelligence gathering in our community is sacrosanct,” the monarch said.
“There is nothing that happens in this Kingdom that I do not get to hear within five minutes after it happens, whether it is a good report or a bad one.”
He said the community has also developed strong relationships with intelligence units and other security agencies operating within Asaba.
That cooperation, he added, has strengthened the community’s wider security architecture.
Prof. Azinge also highlighted the role of the community vigilante structure.
He stressed that members of the outfit do not take the law into their own hands. Instead, they work with recognised federal and state security agencies to protect lives and property.
The Asagba said the community also maintains a functional relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.
Through that relationship, the Palace and security agencies exchange intelligence and ideas that support security coordination.
Security issues also receive regular attention at meetings of the Asagba Executive Council.
The council meets every Tuesday to discuss matters affecting the community, including issues capable of threatening peace and public safety.
Beyond traditional residents, Prof. Azinge said his administration has continued to engage non-indigenes living in Asaba.
He explained that regular interaction with their leaders allows the Palace to understand their concerns and identify security challenges within different groups.
The community can then communicate relevant information to appropriate security agencies.
The monarch further said the traditional institution remains ready to support security agencies in profiling and monitoring movements within Asaba, particularly where individuals enter the community without proper documentation or identification.
He noted that Delta State’s multi-ethnic character requires strong cooperation among communities and institutions.
Traditional institutions, he said, have continued to play an important role in promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening security across the state.
Prof. Azinge commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for placing security among the priorities of his administration.
Earlier, Commodore Bugaje said the visit formed part of the Defence Intelligence College’s national study tour.
He said Delta State was selected because of its strategic importance.
The trainees are studying the theme: “Strengthening National Resilience through Integrated Intelligence, Multi-Agency Coordination and Regional Security.”
Bugaje described traditional institutions as important partners in maintaining peace and security.
He therefore stressed the need for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders.
The visit, he said, provided another opportunity to examine how community structures can support intelligence gathering and national security.
