Kingsley Ohens Writes From Opoji kingdom 

Security remains the bedrock of sustainable development, economic growth, and social stability. No society can truly prosper when citizens live in fear or when criminal elements are allowed to operate unchecked. It is against this backdrop that the Edo State Government’s newly introduced whistleblower security initiative deserves commendation and widespread public support.

The “See Something, Say Something, Get Rewarded” campaign represents a proactive and innovative approach aimed at further strengthening ongoing efforts to eliminate kidnapping and cult-related crimes across Edo State. It is a strategic intervention designed to enhance intelligence gathering, encourage community participation, and reinforce existing security measures being implemented by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

By establishing a dedicated toll-free whistleblower security line and attaching substantial financial rewards to credible information leading to the arrest of criminal elements, the government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while fostering a culture of collective responsibility among citizens.

The Edo State Government has urged residents to actively support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities through the dedicated toll-free whistleblower security line:

080-000-11111 (Toll-Free)

Citizens can also access additional information through the official whistleblower portal:

www.whistleblower.edostate.gov.ng

Under the initiative, credible and actionable intelligence leading to the arrest of kidnappers attracts a reward of ₦5 million, while information resulting in the arrest of cultists attracts a reward of ₦3 million. Equally important is the government’s assurance that the identities of informants will be fully protected, thereby encouraging greater public participation in the collective effort to secure Edo State.

This initiative aligns with globally recognized security practices that emphasize community intelligence as a vital component of modern crime prevention and law enforcement. Across the world, security agencies increasingly depend on information supplied by responsible citizens to identify criminal networks, prevent crimes, and apprehend offenders before they can inflict harm on innocent members of society.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to incentivize intelligence sharing reflects a practical understanding that security is not solely the responsibility of government agencies. Effective security requires collaboration between citizens, communities, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and law enforcement bodies.

Criminal elements often operate within communities, taking advantage of silence, fear, and the reluctance of witnesses to come forward. Neighbours may observe suspicious movements, unusual gatherings, or activities that could provide valuable intelligence to security agencies. Unfortunately, concerns about personal safety have historically discouraged many people from sharing such information.

The whistleblower programme directly addresses this challenge by providing both confidentiality and motivation for citizens to contribute to the security of their communities. By guaranteeing the protection of informants and offering meaningful rewards for credible intelligence, the government has created a framework that encourages responsible civic participation.

However, the success of this initiative will depend largely on public cooperation. Edo people must embrace the programme not merely because of the financial incentives attached to it, but because of the shared desire to build safer communities where businesses can thrive, investments can flourish, and families can live without fear.

Community leaders, youth organizations, market associations, religious bodies, and traditional institutions should actively support awareness campaigns surrounding the whistleblower initiative. Public enlightenment and grassroots participation will be crucial in ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within our communities.

As governments across the country continue to explore innovative approaches to strengthening security, Edo State’s whistleblower initiative stands out as a practical and forward-thinking model capable of complementing conventional law enforcement efforts. If effectively implemented and fully embraced by the public, it has the potential to significantly enhance intelligence-driven security operations across the state.

Governor Monday Okpebholo deserves commendation for introducing this bold measure. It reflects responsive leadership, strategic thinking, and a determination to deepen the state’s security architecture through community partnership and citizen engagement.

The message to Edo residents is clear: security is a collective responsibility. When citizens and government work together, criminals lose their hiding places, communities become safer, and society prospers.

If you see something, say something. Your information could save lives, prevent crime, protect families, and contribute to a safer and more secure Edo State.

Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Edo State for present and future generations.