Niger Delta

Ayade Tasks Buhari On Operation Delta Safe

Published

9 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

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.