In a renewed effort to tackle crime and ensure peace in Rivers State, the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has directed all paramilitary agencies to step up their patrols and strengthen collaboration with other security bodies.
Speaking on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt during a strategic meeting with heads of paramilitary organisations, Ibas stressed that Rivers State cannot afford to give criminals the space to thrive.
“No society can develop meaningfully without peace and security. If law-abiding citizens are unable to go about their legitimate businesses, criminals will hijack the state,” Ibas warned.
The meeting, which had in attendance heads of agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, and others, was convened to review security strategies and chart a way forward amid rising security concerns.
The retired naval chief charged the agencies to increase their visibility across the state, adding that security operatives must work together and share intelligence to weaken criminal networks operating in the area.
“I hereby direct that you increase your patrols. Criminals thrive when they believe there is no resistance. You must not allow that to happen,” he said.He added,
“The responsibility of securing Rivers State lies on all of us. Your various roles are critical. You must always have the interest of Nigeria and the people of Rivers State at heart.”
Ibas also called for active participation in joint security operations, saying collaboration was key to achieving lasting peace in the state.The Sole Administrator further expressed concern over the increasing use of unregistered vehicles and those with concealed number plates on the roads in the state, describing it as a major security threat.
“There is no law that permits vehicles to operate without registration numbers or with covered plates. This must stop,” he declared.
He specifically charged the Federal Road Safety Corps, working in collaboration with the Civil Defence and Police, to ensure that such acts are curtailed immediately.
Ibas also decried the frequent cases of articulated vehicles, especially petroleum tankers, overturning and obstructing roads in Rivers, pointing out that such incidents often lead to fatal accidents and loss of lives.According to him,
“Our roads are becoming death traps because of the recklessness of some tanker drivers and the poor condition of their vehicles. This is unacceptable. It must be addressed.”
The retired naval officer stressed the need for security agencies to deepen intelligence gathering by engaging with local communities.
“There is a need for community policing and local intelligence. You must collaborate with the military, DSS, and even local vigilantes to ensure a safer Rivers State,” he said.
He also tasked the agencies to partner with the State Ministry of Information to sensitise residents, especially at the grassroots, on the dangers of insecurity and the importance of public cooperation with security agencies.
“People need to know the impact of insecurity and how it affects their daily lives. You must play a role in creating that awareness,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the paramilitary agencies, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Mr Felix Madumere, commended the Sole Administrator for the meeting, describing it as timely and necessary.
“We appreciate the valuable information and direction you have shared with us today. I assure you of our maximum support in ensuring that Rivers State remains safe,” Madumere said.
He added that the agencies would work closely with the administrator and other security bodies to ensure that the state’s security architecture is strengthened.
The Sole Administrator assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies in the discharge of their duties.
“Our administration will do everything possible to support your operations. Together, we will ensure Rivers State is safe, peaceful, and conducive for all residents and businesses,” Ibas promised.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal conflicts in parts of Rivers State.
