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Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, Rashidi Afegbua, has said the time is up for kidnappers and armed robbers, just as the command arrested 25 suspects. He was addressing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Conference in Abuja.
He said: “The command is exposing unrepentant criminals. We recorded remarkable strides within two months in our fight against crime, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and properties. The command has continued to intensify efforts in combating crime through proactive policing, intelligence gathering and swift response to distress calls.
“I visited some blackspots and redeployed Police Tactical Team operatives in Odukpani, Akamkpa, Ikom-Boki and Bakassi. The command has fully imbibed community policing.
“As a result of these sustained operations, the command successfully apprehended 20 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery to illegal possession of firearms. I have warned my officers against the use of torture in conducting investigations on suspects. “We have charged some of the suspects to court, while others are under investigation. The achievement of the command is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice of the officers and men of the command. Our professionalism, transparency, and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law have restored public confidence and improved security.
“Today, Cross River is calm and safe with the cooperation of citizens and with the support of the state government, which has given us operational vehicles to enable us, along with other sister security agencies, to smoke criminals out the state. The command has updated the professional capacity of officers in line with global policing standards and addressed skill gaps caused by outdated or neglected procedures.
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“We have stepped up night patrols, aimed at reinforcing commitment to serving and protecting the community. I have charged officers to stay alert and be proactive in preventing crime and ensuring public safety. Officers to conduct patrol with diligence, respect, courtesy and respect the rights of the citizens.
“The command aims to assess the operational effectiveness of its units, identify challenges and implement effective solutions. The strategy is to strengthen community policing and enhance security measures within the state.
“In an operation coordinated by the Police Operation Okwok, where 80 repentant militants were terrorising the Bakassi-Oron Waterways, they surrendered themselves alongside assorted arms. It was achieved without the use of force, underscoring the effectiveness of the command’s strategy of dialogue, strategic engagement, confidence-building and intelligence operation.
“The repentant individuals have openly renounced violence and expressed readiness to be rehabilitated and fully reintegrated into the society as law-abiding citizens. This further validates the command’s commitment to people-oriented and intelligence-driven policing.
Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, also addressed the conference: “We urge the good people of Kwara State to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative by promptly sharing credible information with security agencies. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities against criminal elements.”
