Former Police Commissioner A.C. Abeh says the outfit is strengthening its structures, personnel and partnerships to support community security across Taraba State.
By Taraba News
The Commander of the Taraba Marshal, A.C. Abeh, has said the security outfit is being repositioned to provide stronger community-based security across Taraba State and is prepared to transform into a state police structure if the proposed establishment of state police is approved in Nigeria.
Abeh, a former Commissioner of Police, said his experience from serving in different parts of the country would be brought to bear in building a professional and effective community security outfit capable of complementing existing security agencies.
He explained that the Taraba Marshal was initially established to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, rather than compete with them.
Taraba Marshal Positions for Possible State Police Conversion
The Commander said should the proposed state police arrangement become law, the Taraba Marshal would be ready to transform and adapt its structure to meet the requirements of the new security architecture.
He said the outfit was already building the structures and manpower needed to operate effectively across the state.
According to him, administrative and operational structures are being developed in all 16 local government areas, while the organisation is also considering the engagement of retired security officers and other experienced personnel.
Abeh said the experience of former officers would add value to the outfit by strengthening professionalism, discipline and operational effectiveness.
Continuous Training to Strengthen Personnel
The Commander disclosed that the Taraba Marshal had commenced regular training and retraining of its personnel as part of efforts to improve their skills and professionalism.
He said security challenges were constantly evolving, making continuous training necessary for personnel to remain effective and properly equipped to perform their duties.
Abeh described the Taraba Marshal as an ongoing project that requires sustained attention, commitment and hard work to achieve its objectives.
He said the organisation was being developed gradually and would require the cooperation of government, security agencies, communities and members of the public to realise its full potential.
Commander Rejects Claims of Unpaid Salaries
Abeh also debunked reports alleging that personnel of the Taraba Marshal were not being paid their salaries.
He said all officers of the outfit were fully paid, while special allowances were also being provided to personnel.
The Commander appreciated the Taraba State Government for its support, particularly its contribution towards personnel remuneration and the provision of facilities required for the outfit’s operations.
Taraba Marshal Deepens Collaboration With Security Agencies
According to Abeh, the Taraba Marshal maintains close collaboration with major security agencies operating in the state.
He explained that the outfit works alongside relevant security agencies in responding to security challenges, adding that its personnel also make arrests where necessary and hand suspects over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and legal action.
He stressed that the Taraba Marshal was established to complement the police, civil defence and military, rather than replace the existing security architecture.
Abeh Issues Warning Against Indiscipline
The Commander said he would not tolerate indiscipline or misconduct among personnel of the Taraba Marshal.
He therefore urged members of the public to report any officer found engaging in misconduct through the appropriate channels.
“My door is always open,” Abeh said, assuring residents that complaints concerning the conduct of personnel would receive appropriate attention.
He said discipline remained fundamental to building public confidence in any security organisation and urged officers to conduct themselves professionally at all times.
Commander Urges Public to Verify Social Media Reports
Abeh also appealed to residents to stop the circulation of unverified information, particularly reports concerning security personnel and members of the public.
He warned that false or unconfirmed reports could create unnecessary tension, undermine public confidence and complicate efforts to maintain law and order.
The Commander urged residents to verify the facts surrounding any incident before sharing information on social media.
He said responsible information sharing was important to maintaining peace and preventing unnecessary panic within communities.
Abeh Calls for Collective Responsibility in Maintaining Peace
Abeh called on residents to work closely with security agencies and contribute to maintaining peace and stability across their communities.
He said his experience as a former Commissioner of Police, having served in different parts of the country, would be useful in developing the Taraba Marshal into a stronger, more professional and community-oriented security outfit.
He reiterated that building an effective community security structure was a gradual process that required commitment, discipline, proper training and cooperation among stakeholders.
The Commander reaffirmed the Taraba Marshal’s commitment to working with government, communities and other security agencies to protect residents, prevent crime and contribute to a peaceful and secure Taraba State.
