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
Continue Reading
The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.
This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.
The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.
During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.
Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.
Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.
Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.
He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.
The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.
The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.
King Onunwor
As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.
The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.
In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.
The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.
He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.
According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.
Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.
The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.
“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.
He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.
Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.
Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.
Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.
Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.
The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Michael T. Abraham
The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.
Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.
He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.
Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.
He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.
The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.
The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.
The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.
King Onunwor
-
Rivers1 day ago
Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread
-
Niger Delta1 day agoPro-Chancellor Hands Over Okey Onuchuku Peace, Conflict Institute Building
-
News1 day agoFubara Reaffirms Commitment To Blue Economy, Private Sector Growth …Calls For Protection Of Marine Resources
-
Sports1 day ago
Six Nigerians To Play For NBA Teams
-
Business1 day ago
Gas Economy: Decade of Gas, Pi-CNG/ EV Deepen Media Engagement
-
Business1 day ago
Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats
-
Business1 day agoIPMAN Raises Concern Over Delay In Chinese Refinery Deal …Predicts Lower Fuel Prices Through Competition
-
Politics1 day agoSenate Defends Passage Of State Police Bill