In response to the widespread issue of illegal waste disposal and environmental breaches in Akwa Ibom State, especially in Uyo, the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has announced the deployment of Ibom Community Watch officers to crucial areas for enforcing environmental regulations.
Prince Ikim, the chairman of AKSEPWMA, revealed this to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, stating that the operation would start on November 1, 2024, with the aim of enhancing public health and safety.
He stated that the officers would have the authority to uphold environmental laws and urged community members and stakeholders to assist them.
Ikim explained that the Ibom Watch officers, part of a state security initiative, will be strategically placed along major routes including Nwaniba Road, Four Lanes, and Oron Road, among others, to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
He remarked, “As part of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda focused on sustainable environmental management, the AKSEPWMA will deploy Ibom Community Watch officers to tackle illegal waste disposal and other environmental issues.”
This initiative follows recent educational campaigns and is a joint effort between AKSEPWMA and Ibom Community Watch, overseen by the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, in collaboration with other security bodies like the Nigeria Police.
Ikim also mentioned that the 100 officers set for deployment underwent retraining to meet basic intelligence requirements and enforce environmental laws responsibly.