Niger Delta
Delta Safer, Calmer, Kidnapping Dropping –Army
The Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abdulmoshood Shonibare, says Delta has recorded notable improvements in security, with the state now safer, calmer and rate of kidnapping cases dropping in recent months.
Shonibare stated this while addressing Newsmen shortly after the Delta State Security Council meeting chaired by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in Government House, Asaba, Wednesday.
Shonibare said that the session reviewed the state’s security situation since the last ad hoc meeting and found that enhanced coordination among security agencies, traditional rulers, and local government authorities had yielded positive results.
“Delta State is calmer than it was a few months ago, and we can all attest to this. The cases of kidnappings have dramatically reduced, and cultists no longer have a foothold stated.
He cited a recent rescue operation in which two female students and a male student kidnapped in separate incidents, were rescued unhurt.
“The operation, conducted with the Nigerian Police Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led to the killing of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and 16 rounds of ammunition,” he said
The army boss disclosed that security forces have been intercepting fleeing criminal elements, including members of the proscribed IPOB group, who were attempting to hide in Asaba, Warri, and surrounding areas.
“Those who think Delta state is a safe haven should think twice. We are coming after them,” he warned.
On grassroots security, the Brigade Commander said measures were underway to tackle drug abuse and trafficking, describing them as major drivers of crime.
Shonibare noted that recent visits by senior military officers, including the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. E.E. Emeka, and engagements with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta, had strengthened anti-drug operations in Ughelli, Abraka, Warri, and other hotspots.
On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, highlighted the police command’s achievements in collaboration with other security agencies.
“These includes the neutralization of several kidnap suspects, recovery of multiple firearms including AK-47, pump-action rifles and the seizure of ?5.7 million in ransom money from kidnappers,” he said.
Olufemi assured residents and investors of a peaceful festive season, noting that preparations for the ember months were already underway.
“Last year, Delta had one of its most peaceful Christmas celebrations. This year will be even more peaceful. Deltans can return home to celebrate with their loved ones without fear,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting, Gov. Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, empowerment programmes, and strengthened security as the year draws to a close.
He assured that all necessary measures would be put in place to protect lives and property.
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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.
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