Cross River State has strengthened its internal security operations with the deployment of 30 newly acquired advanced surveillance vehicles.
The Special task force known as Operation Akpakwu has also been renamed “Operation Okwok” to drive home the Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘zero tolerance’ for criminalities in Cross River State.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill said that the Governor gave out 30 operational vehicles to the joint task force in the first phase of donations.
According to Gill, “Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to enhanced security in Cross River States and assured of plans to deploy a total of 100 vehicles to operatives.”
He noted, “the joint task force is comprised of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Immigration Service and Correctional Service.”
Gill indicated that during a ceremony to handover the vehicles to the task force, Governor Otu said to achieve significant milestones, “the government embarked on infrastructure upgrades within security formations in the state.”
He quoted Otu as saying: “Cross River State is safer than ever. Incidences of kidnapping were on the decline and robbery is nearly nonexistent. These achievements are due to the dedication of our security forces.
“We are committed to ensuring peace and anyone, who threatens that peace will face the full weight of the law.”
He said that Otu outlined future plans to beef up security by “strengthening marine patrols, acquiring gunboats and drones for advanced surveillance as well as recruiting personnel for a homeland security structure.
“He assured investors that Cross River remains a secure destination for business and urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, emphasising that security wass a shared responsibility,” Gill stated.
The Governor’s spokesperson also stated that the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), who was in attendance at the handing over ceremony, described the initiative as a milestone in the Cross River’s fight against crime.
Gill said that Major General Obono explained in detail the significance of the new name “Operation Okwok”, which in the Efik language means “Bee.”
Obono said; “do not let the sweetness of the bees fool you. Bees are highly territorial and fiercely protect their hive. Just like that, Operation Okwok is here to secure Cross River— a state flowing with honey when needed, but stings horribly when provoked”
The Commissioner for Police, Gyogon Grimah expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his support to security agencies since his assumption of office in 2023 and pledged continued efforts alongside other security organisations to keep Cross River peaceful and an investor’s friendly haven.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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