Niger Delta

Internal Security, Nigeria’s Greatest Challenge – Dep. Gov

Published

7 years ago

May 2, 2018

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gbogboria John-Jonah (rtd) has identified internal security as Nigeria’s greatest challenge.
Jonah made this known when he received a delegation of participants of Senior Course 40 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategy Studies, NIPSS, Jos, at the Government House.
The delegation was on a study tour of the state.
He called on leaders to rise to the challenge by carrying all sections of the country along.
According to the deputy governor, community policing can go a long way towards ensuring security coverage of all the nooks and crannies of the country through intelligence gathering.
“If there is anything that should be of concern to any Nigerian today, it is the subject of internal security, which is the greatest challenge for us now.
“I sympathise with the security agents, who are always called to do their duties in the very complex situations that we have in the country.
“I must assure you that what is paramount in our minds is a country that is unified.
“We must all have interest of the country at heart. To accommodate the interest of various groups in the country means we must have a leadership that carrie everyone along.
“You do not need to fight to win a war; if you win without fighting the better, but if it becomes inevitable that you must fight, then you fight.
“My prayer is that Nigeria should transit to a position where we don’t have to fight to win wars; that is what we should work towards while preparing adequately for any contingency that should arise.
“The first step to take in this regard is to see how you can gather information and the essence of community policing is that you will spread the policing to everywhere and you have the capacity to gather more information from the people because the communities are involved,” he said.
He stressed that although community policing might not solve all the problems, it would ensure coverage of larger parts of communities.
In his remarks, Group Capt. Muhammad Gumni (rtd), said that the team was in Bayelsa to learn some of the best practices and to interact with relevant stakeholders as part of their study tour as mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.