Niger Delta

Diri Assures On Collaboration With Airforce

Published

2 years ago

May 1, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri,has restated the readiness of his administration to collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to improve security in the state.
Speaking in Government House when he received the new Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air force, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshall Ebimobo Ebiowei, Governor Diri said security was top on the agenda of his administration and would be glad to work with the Air Force to make the state more secure.
The Governor lauded the Air force for its contributions to the peace of the state and urged the officers and men not to relent.
He acknowledged that crime cannot be totally eradicated in any society, but that working with the Air Force and other security agencies has helped to reduce crime and criminality in the state.
He recalled the support of the NAF during the 2022 floods, saying the government was appreciative of its effort to ameliorate the suffering of the people though they were also affected.
The state’s helmsman also lauded the security agency for its role in ensuring peaceful elections in the state and urged the personnel to remain apolitical while discharging their duties.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I formally welcome you to Government House and the state. Let me thank the Chief of Air Staff who appointed you as the AOC in Bayelsa. You are the second son of the soil to head the command.
“I appreciate the Air Force for its efforts during the 2022 floods. Though you were also victims, you assisted the state and other victims of the flood. You showed that beyond security, you are compassionate and we hope to maintain that good relationship with the Command.
“For us, our agenda here is prosperity, peace and justice. Wherever there is injustice, whatever peace that is prevailing is temporary. So we must work on ensuring that there is justice”, he said.
“As I always say, there is no state where you can totally eliminate crime and criminality. Our desire is to bring it down to the lowest ebb.
“Today, Bayelsa remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We have worked closely with the security agencies and that has helped to reduce crime.
“Thank you for your role during the elections too. In the history of this state, no life was lost for the first time during the elections and we thank you. That was because you were neutral”, he added.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ebiowei said the visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor following his appointment as the Air Officer Commanding the Mobility Command in the state, and to seek areas of partnership with the Government.
He pledged his readiness and that of his men to cooperate with the State Government to sustain the peace and security in the state.
He recalled that he was one of the pioneer officers when the Command was established in 2011 and that his posting back to the state as the 15th AOC was a home-coming for him.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 days 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

6 days 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

6 days 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.