The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) has charged paramilitary agencies to increase patrols in order to avert crime and criminality in the state.
Also, Ibas harped on collaboration among the various security agencies in the state to keep the state safer and more peaceful, saying there cannot be any meaningful development without a thriving, peaceful environment; hence, efforts must be intensified to ensure that criminal elements are not emboldened to cause insecurity.
Ibas gave the charge when he met with heads of paramilitary organisations at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The administrator said it was a necessity to meet with them as critical stakeholders in the fight against crime and criminality and acknowledged their contributions to ensuring a peaceful Rivers State.
He also urged them to participate effectively in joint operations that are geared towards degrading the capabilities of criminal elements within the state and contribute their quota in combating activities of criminals in the state.
He stated, “If you have people who can conduct their legitimate business, and they are not able to conduct their business as enshrined in our laws, then they lose out, and criminals take over control of the state.
“I will, therefore, need you in all aspects of maintaining this law and order. It therefore means that in conducting your various roles, you must have at heart the interest of Nigeria and the people of Rivers State in particular.”
Ibas added, “I will hereby, direct that you increase your patrols. If criminals have access to our resources, of course that means you are emboldening them.
“The responsibility has been given to individuals and organisations, as such, we must all work towards making sure that this state is very, very safe.”
He stressed the need to encourage dialogue that can support the efforts of intelligence gathering in addressing issues of kidnapping, illegal, and communal conflicts.
The administrator also warned against the use of vehicles without registered and concealed number plates that are allowed to ply the roads within the state, saying it poses a security threat.
The State Sole Administrator also observed that tankers overturned on roads, perhaps due to their poor condition and sometimes due to the actions and inactions of other road users, which cause obstructions.
He said such acts, considered serious traffic offences, must be curbed in order to minimise the number of casualties and deaths that are witnessed on the roads.
Ibas stated, “Our efforts must be to ensure that we reduce insecurity. There is need for collaboration between you and intelligence-sharing agencies of the federal government.
“Of course, you have your intelligence in the paramilitary, therefore you must work together with the military, the DSS and even the local intelligence in the various communities that you find yourself.
“You have vehicles that ply our roads that are not registered. You have vehicles that have their plate numbers covered. I do not think that there is any law that permit such individuals to drive on roads.
“I want to ask the Federal Road Safety Corps working in collaboration with Civil the Defense and the Police to ensure that you bring these acts to the minimum,” he added.
Ibas urged them to ensure that, as they relate with residents in local government headquarters and villages, they must promote peace and security through community policing.
The administrator also charged them to provide requisite operational assistance to their colleagues in the Police and other security agencies in providing public awareness.
Ibas stated, “I think while the Ministry of Information at the state level will coordinate this activity, I will want you all to work together to let those at the grassroots level know the impact of not having a secure environment.
“I think you are all cut out for your jobs, and you know exactly what is expected of you. I want to appreciate your contributions to the development and security of Rivers State over the years and count on all your support to ensure that we even secure Rivers State at this point in time more than ever.”
He said the state government will continue to do whatever can be done to support their operations to ensure that maximal success is achieved in keeping the state safe and secure.
The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Mr. Felix Madumere, expressed appreciation for the valuable information the administrator has shared with them, which will help in their daily operations.
Madumere, while wishing the administrator success in his mandate, assured that they will provide needed support to ensure that the administrator leaves an enduring legacy of success.
