The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has urged the Delta State House of Assembly to abandon the current, ineffective security law and draft a completely new legal framework to establish a grassroots-focused Community Security Corps. According to the Forum, the previous law was never implemented and has failed to address the rising insecurity in local communities.
This call was made during a public hearing held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, organized by the House Joint Committee on Bills, chaired by Majority Leader Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, and the Committee on Peace and Security, led by Hon. Chief Isaac Anwuzia.
Representing the Forum were Vice Chairman Mr. Chukwudi Abiandu and member Christy Aboghe, who criticized the current legislation as outdated and lacking in structure, stakeholder involvement, and enforcement mechanisms.
DOPF emphasized that the task before lawmakers should not be limited to amending the existing law, but should instead result in a full legislative overhaul to close persistent security gaps at the community level.
Commending the Assembly for revisiting the matter, the Forum described the initiative as bold and necessary, especially amid growing grassroots insecurity. Their proposals for the new bill include a clearly defined governance model, establishment of a dedicated media unit, and recruitment of security personnel through local government structures.
They also called for reliable and long-term funding via statutory allocations and partnerships with private organizations, and recommended the inclusion of traditional leaders, civil society, youth and women’s groups, and media professionals in the agency’s advisory councils to ensure transparency and community ownership.
A phased rollout was proposed, with the goal of achieving full operational status for the new security corps within 12 months of the bill’s passage. DOPF also highlighted the need for strong legislative oversight, ongoing performance evaluation, and collaboration with the media to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
The Forum reiterated its willingness to support public awareness and legislative engagement efforts, while stressing that the new law must respect human rights, align with local realities, and meet global standards for community policing.
DOPF has long championed security reform. In a communiqué issued after its Audience Participatory Programme on November 12, 2020, following the #EndSARS protests, the group first called for proactive measures. Their advocacy continued during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House on September 25, 2024, and at their 5th Annual Lecture in November 2024, where they spotlighted community-level solutions to the national security crisis.
In a recent press release, the Forum further urged southern governors to treat security as a strategic imperative, warning that worsening insecurity is encroaching upon the region.
