Towards Improved Security In Rivers State

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom
Wike recently donated 64 patrol vans to
the Police and other security agencies in the State. This gesture is geared towards the attainment of improved security of life and property in the State.
Chief Wike had collaborated with the Rivers State Police Command on ways of tackling crime and ensuring that the State is safe for all. The state government also raised the amount of money to be given as reward to informants who aid the security agencies to curb crimes, even as the House of Assembly amended the anti-kidnapping law with a view to giving it more teeth.
These moves, we believe, are steps in the right direction as recent cases and incidents of insecurity in parts of the country appear to evoke common fears. Even in Rivers State, armed robbery, killings and other civil disturbances recently threatened the peace and tended to take the State back to the ugly past when residents hardly slept with both eyes closed.
Business and recreational activities were seriously affected as people were left at the mercy of hoodlums and miscreants, who exploited the situation and unleashed terror on the citizenry. In fact, the 2015 General Elections added to the threat level and tested the will of government and the security agencies.
That is why the efforts by Gov Wike in trying to check criminality in Rivers State deserves commendation. While we are pleased to applaud the Governor on the various steps being taken to advance the course of security in Rivers State, we expect the Police and indeed other security agencies to take seriously the comments of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, when he came to the state to commission the vans.
The IGP noted the gains already made by the police against the men of the underworld, but said that more could be achieved. He directed that the special campaign against criminality be extended by one more month in Rivers State to further degrade the capability of criminals to roam large.
The Tide thinks that the Police needs to reappraise and overhaul their strategies for combating and preventing crime just as they need to review their maintenance policy. Their attitude, particularly, towards handling operational vehicles must change otherwise these new vans would soon join other police vans littering the roads as mere wrecks. While many that are in use are not road worthy.
Indeed, the number of damaged police vehicles in Rivers State alone is a cause for concern and a big dent on the image of the Police. The Police, who enforce traffic laws ought to begin to show example through the proper maintenance of their vehicles for aesthetics and operational efficiency.
It is important also that the Police cultivate and strengthen contacts with the people to enhance community policing initiative. While the use of technology must be emphasised in their work; the intelligence gathering arm needs to be reformed and empowered.
We believe, however, that security should be the concern of everybody. While we enjoin all to join the fight against insecurity, it is pertinent that men and officers of the force go to great length at protecting the identity and safety of informants. This is an easier way to effectively fight and check criminality, criminals should be made to face the music just as their sponsors must be made to feel. In same way, we expect that all the full weight of the law. There should be no scared cows.
We expect that the maintenance and enforcement of the ban on violent cult groups is vigorously pursued. The police should appreciate the efforts of the present government in Rivers State towards fighting crime. This is important because social and economic activities can only thrive in a safe and peaceful environment where effective policing is deeply rooted.