Residents of Cross River State have decried the activities of officers of the State Homeland Security, accusing them of harassment, intimidation and unprofessional conduct.

The residents lamented that officers of the outfit, who often operate in mufti and brandish machetes, have become a source of fear rather than security to the people.

They alleged that instead of complementing conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property, some of the officers engage in extortion, harassment of traders, motorists and youths, especially in Calabar metropolis.

According to complaints gathered across major areas in Calabar, the officers operate without identifiable uniforms or name tags, making it difficult to distinguish them from hoodlums and cultists.

A resident of 8 Miles, Mr. Emmanuel Okon, said: “You cannot know who is Homeland Security and who is a criminal. They dress like thugs and carry machetes. Sometimes the harass people.”

Another resident, Miss Faith Asuquo, said female traders at Watt and Marian markets have repeatedly complained of intimidation.

“They are supposed to protect us, not harass us. The government should call them to order,” she said.

The residents called on Governor Bassey Otu and the State Security Adviser to urgently intervene by providing a recognizable uniform, proper identification, and comprehensive training for the officers.

They stressed that the outfit should be reoriented to focus on community protection, intelligence gathering and defense of civil society, in line with global best practices for community security operations.

When contacted, efforts to get reaction from the Homeland Security hierarchy were unsuccessful as at press time. (Guardian)