Rivers
Security: Experts Task Govt On Support For Paramilitary Organizations
Security experts in Rivers State have called for Government collaboration and support to private and paramilitary organizations, saying it will reduce insecurity along the state’s water ways.
They stated this recently at a get-to-gether party organized by Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, a private security outfit in the state.
Speaking at the event, ACP Okoro Ikechukwu, AC Operations Power, Rivers State Police Command, said Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited needs the support of the Rivers State Government and other state Governments in the Niger Delta to assist in reducing insecurity along the waterways of the state.
He said the police and the other security agencies cannot curb criminalities alone, adding that the support of paramilitary organizations is needed both on land and water ways.
ACP Ikechukwu said this can be done through information gathering and sharing.
According to him, for effective performances of its function, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited not only requiree intelligence, but techniques and equipment, such as security gadgets, boats, and other equipment, adding that Government can support the group through the procurement of all.
He also stressed the need for the security outfit to avoid things that will bring disrepute to it, adding that they must not only be friendly with their host communities, but also members of the public.
Also speaking, a member of the Nigerian Red Cross, Rivers State, Dr. Mina Franklin, said the group needs the support of the government to check the incessant piracy along the waterways of the state.
She particularly said by checking insecurity along the waterways, “the group is not only contributing to the economy of the state, but also implementing maritime laws as far as security is concerned”.
She called for the assistance of the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard, Commander Godwin Amare, has said wearing of safety jackets be made compulsory for waterways transportation in the state.
Amare, who spoke during the get together party, said his group has also deployed over 3000 men across various jetties in the state to check all acts of insecurity.
He said his group is also enforcing wearing of safety jackets by not only speed boat operators, but also passengers.
According to him, the group needs the support of the government and the various companies operating in the state
Amare said the party has afforded them the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders in the maritime security sector.
He also said as part of plans to ensure adequate security in the maritime environment in the Niger Delta, his group plans to deploy its personnel across all the jetties in the region.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the Deputy Director General, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, Captain Elekima Dein, and the Director of Finance of the organization, Captain Emberru Michael, said Niger Delta waterways needs proper security to check the incessant pirate attacks.
They said the group is out to support the government efforts in this direction and called for support.
John Bibor
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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced a N50 million donation to widows of service personnel, who lost their lives defending the country.
He announced the donation while addressing legionnaires and service personnel during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Fubara said the donation was a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made by the deceased personnel and their families.
“The N50 million is dedicated solely to the welfare of the widows of our fallen heroes.
“The fund will help them address pressing needs, such as school fees, house rents, and support for their businesses, among other sundry matters”, he said.
The Governor described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as an occasion to honour the bravery of the veterans, whose dedication helped secure the country and safeguard its sovereignty.
He recalled the evolution of Nigeria’s armed forces, citing their involvement in the First and Second World Wars, international and regional peacekeeping missions, the civil war, and current internal security operations.
“Throughout these challenges, our armed forces have remained resolute, defending our nation, maintaining peace, upholding our integrity, and ensuring the survival of our beloved country.
“Even today, our servicemen and women are on the frontlines, courageously combating insurgencies and other security threats.
“These sacrifices have come at a great cost, with thousands of soldiers paying the supreme price and many returning with life-altering injuries”, he said.
Fubara expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to serving armed forces personnel, paramilitary officers, legionnaires, and the families of the fallen heroes for the contributions to the nation’s security.
He attributed the relative peace in the state to the collaborative efforts between the government and security agencies.
He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country, saying that such recognition would inspire the serving personnel to serve with dedication.
“We assure the people that we will continue to provide the necessary support to security formations in the state to ensure effective discharge of their duties”, the Governor said.
Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Mr. Isreal Obosi, has urged the people to embrace peace and not allow political crisis in the state to discourage them from supporting the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration in the state and Ikwerre LGA at large.
Speaking at the end of year annual service Thanksgiving, with the theme: “Celebrating God’s faithfulness”, in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, Obosi said the political problems ravaging the LGA and state is discouraging.
He said, “as a people we will continue to present those problems before God. So, be courageous. Again, we must not allow any problem to distract us from supporting the Governor Fubara-led administration in the state.
“When a people fail to realize the importance of God in their lives, they are doomed And such people and community are likely to face challenges”.
The Chairman stated that Elele Okiniali is the land that fears God and has many pastors and apostles. He called on them to continue to seek the face God in all the challenges in the LGA and the state.
He also urged the political class, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in the 14 Wards of the LGA to see themselves as part of this administration, stressing on the need for stakeholders to make constructive criticism when necessary, while assuring that he will give all the communities in the LGA equal opportunities.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler/Nye Nwe Ali of Elele, Okiniali/Elele Alimini, HRM Eze Marcus Ordumah Woyike, said since he is a peacemaker he has been working around the clock to foster peaceful co-existence at Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini.
He said part of his peace-keeping mandate is to complement Governor Fubara’s peace initiative and effort.
“Those who know me very well know that I am a peacemaker. In fact, on the important subject of peace, I have heeded to the advice of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Indeed, my effort towards peace is to complement that of the Governor in the state”, he said.
Eze Woyike explained that as a monarch, who commences the meeting of his council of chiefs and elders with prayer, he would continue with this approach in 2025, assuring that the peace that prevailed in 2024 will continue in 2025 throughout his domain.
“My prayer is that the peace we experienced in 2024 at Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini will continue in 2025, because when peace reigns there will be growth and development as well as progress in life.
“2025 will be another year of peace and prosperity for the people of Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini, Ikwerre LGA and Rivers State at large”, he said.
On his part, the chairman of the 2024 Elele Okiniali thanksgiving service planning committee, Engr. Collins Amadi, said the 2024 thanksgiving service was the 3rd edition.
He explained that the purpose of the annual thanksgiving service was to hand over Elele Town to God through prayers and praises and bring the people together.
He lauded the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Mr. Obosi, for his support and presence at the thanksgiving service, urging all Elele politicians who failed to attend the 2024 thanksgiving service to repent and attend the next edition.
Akujobi Amadi
Suspected cultists have reportedly killed one Precious Nnamdi, a vigilante providing security in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Princewill, told The Tide’s source in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the assailants trailed the victim before killing him.
“The cultists shot Nnamdi while he was patrolling along Hospital Road in Ahoada Town. They fired multiple shots, but the bullets reportedly did not penetrate him”, he said.
Princewill said after the gunfire failed, the gang resorted to using iron bars and sticks found nearby to attack the vigilante.
“The hoodlums struck Nnamdi repeatedly until he succumbed to the injuries and thereafter, they fled the scene”, he recounted.
The reports that the two dominant cult gangs in the area, Iceland and Greenland, have yet to claim responsibility for the killing.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, confirmed the incident.
“Precious was pronounced dead by doctors after being taken to a nearby hospital.
“The deceased has been deposited in the mortuary, and investigation into this heinous crime are ongoing”, she said.
Iringe-Koko further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the Police Area Commander and Tactical units in Ahoada to ensure the swift arrest of the fleeing suspects.
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