News
Army Moves To Tame Criminals In Creeks, Others
Determined to end the upsurge of criminality in Rivers State, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, says it would take the battle to the creeks and other identified flash points to flush out criminals and kidnappers across the state.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Maj-Gen Enobong Udoh, stated this during the meeting of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Rivers State chapter at Somitel Hotel in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Udoh disclosed that within the next four weeks, people of the state would witness drastic reduction in crimes, adding that the division has concluded plans to establish road blocks across all the six entry points into the state.
The GOC, who was represented at the occasion by the Commander, 6 Military Intelligence Brigade, Brig-Gen E.S. Buba, further disclosed that the division was poised to rid the state of all forms of criminality, adding that it would achieve this through robust working synergy with other security operatives in the state.
According to him, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army was inaugurated to deal with multifarious issues threatening the four states of the South-South, including Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom and Bayelsa, with a view to restoring peaceful environment in the affected states.
The GOC particularly said that kidnapping, illegal bunkering and cultism are some major crimes threatening the four states, and added that within a few weeks, positive results would be achieved in this core mandate of the new division.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the residents of the state to be ready to make some sacrifices, adding that total security cannot be achieved without some inconveniences.
“We are going to lunch our war in the creeks, I mean my words. You cannot achieve security without any inconveniences. If we inconvenience you through our strategies, please, do bear with us because we will achieve our aims and missions.
“We have identified all the entry and exit roads in the state, and we will establish road blocks on these roads”, he stated.
The commanding officer while thanking the state government for its assistance, described private security guards as important agents in crime fighting, and assured them of his support at all times.
Also speaking, the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mohamed Lawal Aruna, urged the association to make information gathering a critical aspect of their work in other to assist security operatives fight crime and criminalities in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Commandant, G.U. Miebi, Aruna, emphasised that the state command was satisfied with the way the association was carrying out its operations in the state, and urged them to report those unlicensed private security practitioners to the command.
In her goodwill message, Desk Officer of NSCDC in-charge of Private Security Guards in the state, Mrs. Claire Nnenna Okpo, said members of the group need not to carry arms in other to be effective in crime fighting, adding that the presence of private security guards in the society was a deterrence to criminals.
Speaking during the meeting, the state Chairman of Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Rev. Mark R. Abere, urged the Federal Government to enforce the ban on the use of all unregistered SIM cards to make calls, adding that the measure would help in fight against crime in the country.
According to him, those kidnappers often call the family of their victims with unregistered SIM cards, adding that it was wrong for communication service providers to allow such calls.
He assured of his association’s desire to partner with security operatives in the state in crime fighting.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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