A/Ibom, Rivers Police Commands Deepen Cross-border Security Rapport

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Akwa Ibom and Rivers State Police Commands have resolved to deny criminals a safe haven at the common boundary between the two states through robust approaches. This came after a high-level strategic security meeting between CP Baba Mohammed Azare of Akwa Ibom State and his Rivers State counterpart, CP Olugbenga Adepoju in Uyo on Tuesday which also had other top officers in attendance.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both Commissioners of Police to critically assess prevailing security dynamics along the shared border communities, identify emerging threats, and develop practical frameworks for enhanced operational cooperation.

The meeting resolved at strengthening inter-command collaboration, fostering intelligence-led policing and sustaining coordinated operational strategies aimed at effectively tackling crimes that transcend state boundaries.

Further discussions centred on improving real-time intelligence sharing, synchronising crime prevention strategies, coordinating tactical operations, enhancing rapid response capabilities and ensuring seamless communication between Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and other operational units within both Commands.

Recognising that criminal elements often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade law enforcement, both Commissioners reaffirmed their resolve to deny criminals safe havens through sustained joint operations, coordinated patrols, strategic stop-and-search exercises, intelligence-driven raids and continuous surveillance of identified flashpoints.

They further agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy, illegal arms trafficking, human trafficking, pipeline vandalism and other organised crimes capable of threatening the peace and security of both states.

The Commissioners also resolved to institutionalise regular strategic engagements between the two Commands, ensuring continuous review of security architecture, exchange of actionable intelligence and prompt operational responses to emerging security concerns.

Speaking during the meeting, both Police Commissioners reaffirmed that security remains a collective responsibility, emphasising that no effort will be spared in ensuring that criminal networks operating across both states are dismantled through intelligence-driven policing, professionalism and unwavering operational commitment.

They further reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains united, resolute and fully committed to implementing the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on inter-agency cooperation, proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and community-focused security management as critical pillars for achieving sustainable peace and public safety across the country.

The Commissioners called on residents of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, particularly those residing within border communities, to continue supporting the Police by remaining vigilant and promptly providing credible and timely information that will assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.

They assured the public that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon with professionalism.

“The Commands remain steadfast in their constitutional mandate to protect lives and property and will continue to work collaboratively with sister security agencies, neighbouring Police Commands and law-abiding citizens to guarantee a safer and more secure society for all,” they reiterated.