Niger Delta

Ayade Tasks Buhari On Operation Delta Safe

Published

10 years ago

July 20, 2016

Governor Ben Ayade of
Cross River State has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the `Operation Delta Safe’ to Cross River to tackle kidnapping, militancy and cultism in the state.
Ayade made the appeal in Calabar while briefing newsmen after a meeting with security chiefs on measures to tackle insecurity in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the state had witnessed the incidences of kidnapping, cultism, and militancy in the past three months.
The governor said that following the scraping of `Operation Pulo Shield’ and replacing it with the `Operation Delta Safe’, criminals in other parts of Niger Delta had relocated to Calabar and environs.
According to him, security reports showed that 47 suspects have been arrested in connection with the heinous crimes in parts of the state.
Ayade, however, assured the citizens that his administration would do everything possible to restore peace and stability in the state.
“We are sending a passionate appeal to President Buhari to help us extend `Operation Delta Safe’ to Cross River to help us fight militancy, kidnapping, cultism and other heinous crimes.
“In the last three months, some criminal elements have turned Cross River into a safe haven for kidnapping. We must fight them back; we are ready to flush them out of the state.
“We need urgent assistance from the Presidency, if not, Cross River will continue to be a safe haven for these criminals.
“We have arrested 47 suspects so far, and from investigations, all these suspects are from neighbouring states. Some of them have started confessing; we are on red alert to arrest more.
“Any government official we discover to be in connection with these criminals will be sacked and handed over to security agencies for prosecution”, he said.
The governor said the government had supported security agencies in the state with 30 operational vehicles to help strengthen their operation within Calabar city.
“As the Governor of the state, I am assuring investors of their safety. Cross River is the most peaceful state in the country.
“With the support of security agencies in the state, we will ensure that residents and tourists go about their legal businesses without fear of kidnapping and intimidation.
“We have discovered all the nine routes of these kidnappers. The stop and search operation will be on the increase to curb this ugly trend of kidnapping in the state.
“Cross River is not a home for criminals. As a state, we must employ new tactics to chase these criminals away.
“I want to assure Cross Riverians, investors, tourists and others that their lives are safe in the state,” he assured.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.