Niger Delta
Insecurity: CRSG Commences Demolishes Of Hard Drugs Joints In Calabar
The Cross River Government in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad have demolished suspected narcotics joints in Calabar metropolis.
Demolition exercise, which was facilitated through the office of the State Security Adviser (south), started at around 7.am on Wednesday morning within Calabar South and Municipality LGAs respectively.
The team demolished a kiosk at Bogobiri area, inhabited mostly by Hausa/Fulani as well as an uncompleted building at the target road by Murray street, all in Calabar South, while another uncompleted building was also demolished at Ediba street in Calabar Municipality.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Mr. Ani Esin, the State Security Adviser (South Senatorial District), said the operation was carried out after an extensive investigation of the various spots.
Esin told newsmen that the State Government was out to chase all suspected criminals from their hideouts including those who take and deal on hard drugs of any form.
According to him, the spot at Bogobiri area was destroyed after the Hausa/Fulani community raised an alarm on the high level of youth involvement in hard drugs.
He said that the spot was also harbouring suspected “aliens” who had come into Calabar without valid travel documents.
In his words, “we are on the ongoing campaign to eradicate crime from the city of Calabar and they have started this by demolishing all criminal hideouts and arrest those on our wanted list.
“We are also giving a shot at the immigration policy of the State because we have found out that some migrants are trooping into the state unaccounted for.
“We had to go to the Hausa/Fulani community in Bogobiri because we have a strong relationship with them to strengthen this operation; we want all those coming into the state to be unaccounted for.
“Bogobiri area is known for drugs and other related offenses and it is almost a capital for drugs in Calabar and we have to move in collaboration with the people to destroy the drugs spots,” he said.
He further explained that the spots that were destroyed have been on the watchlist of security agencies in the state.
Ani said that various stakeholders and community members in various areas have raised alarm on the activities of the drug barons.
It was gathered that on sighting the team at Target road by Murray, the youths took off through the fence, leaving the drugs substances on the table and some of their merchandise.
Esin advised house owners to always check the activities of some youths around their uncompleted building, adding that, anyone used for drugs business will be demolished.
From FRIDAY NWAGBARA, Calabar
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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.
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.
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.
