Enugu, Nigeria, In a historic step towards enhancing security within religious institutions and host communities, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu on Friday, 29th August 2025, inaugurated and commissioned the Enugu Diocesan Catholic Community Neighborhood Watch.

 

The initiative, endorsed by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, was officially unveiled by the Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Hon. Prof. Benedette Ekwutosi Okoli, a former President of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Enugu Diocese.

 

Declaring the ceremony open, the Director of the Security Commission and Chief Security Officer of Enugu Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Victor C. Ogbozor, noted that the Diocese had over time been a frequent target of criminal attacks. He revealed that the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. C.V.C. Onaga, approved the creation of the Neighborhood Watch as a proactive response to the rising security concerns. He charged members to operate with integrity, vigilance, and dedication not only to protect the church but also to safeguard the wider community.

 

In his goodwill message, Mr. Okonkwo Chidozie Aloysius, State Secretary of the Neighborhood Watch, emphasized that while the law permits operatives to arrest suspects, they are not authorized to detain them, stressing the need for synergy with the Nigeria Police for proper investigations. He also urged members to respect their operational boundaries.

 

Similarly, the Chief Security Officer of Enugu North, Mr. Emmanuel Onuigbo, pledged his office’s support and disclosed plans for further training to enhance the operatives’ effectiveness.

 

Representing Bishop Onaga, the Diocesan Finance Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvanus Ugwu, admonished the volunteers to carry out their duties with uprightness and the fear of God.

 

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Prof. Benedette Ekwutosi Okoli commended the courage of the volunteers and advised them to tackle insecurity with vigilance and collaboration rather than violence. She cautioned against misuse of authority, reminding them that their mandate is to be part of the solution to security challenges.

 

On his part, Security Commission Consultant and retired soldier, Rev. Fr. Cornell Anthony Ozoani, lauded the initiative, assuring the Diocese of his continued technical support while urging the government to sustain its backing.

 

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated operatives, Mr. Nomeh Oluchukwu expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged to serve with diligence and discipline.

 

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Ozomgbachi Uchenna, State Head of Neighborhood Watch, Rev. Fr. Ezeakunwanne Peter, Deputy CSO of Enugu Diocese, Fr. Chukwudi Onuigbo, and representatives of various security agencies.

 

With the official commissioning, the Enugu Catholic Diocese has joined forces with the state government to reinforce grassroots security, marking a new era of community-driven safety, vigilance, and collaboration in the fight against crime.