…Mobilizes Community Support To Stamp Out Kidnapping And Cultism
In a move aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Police and other security agencies to fight crime in the state, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has directed the 23 Local Government Areas to purchase 46 Security Utility Vehicles for the security agencies in their communities.
Also, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Baba Adisa Bolanta thanked Governor Wike for his entrenched support for the police through logistics and other investments.
Governor Wike who announced the directive while granting audience to the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 6, Mr Baba Adisa Bolanta, on Wednesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said that the decision to provide additional logistics for security agencies was reached at the last security council meeting.
The governor further declared that all the Local Government Chairmen have been given specific directives to mobilize community support for the police and other security agencies in the move to further reduce crime in the state.
He said: “Anybody arrested in respect of kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery must be prosecuted. I have directed the Commissioner of Police never to release any suspect on the strength of his relationship with any government official or any prominent citizen of the state.
“On no account should the police release the suspects of kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery without proper investigation and prosecution. I have directed the state Attorney-General to ensure that all legal loopholes during prosecution are checked to ensure that suspected criminals are discouraged “.
The governor added that his administration has taken delivery of two armoured helicopters, pointing out that the state government has applied for waiver because the helicopters will be used for security and not luxury purposes.
While praising the State Police Commissioner for effectively fighting crime, he urged the police hierarchy to allow the commissioner remain in the state and fight crime.
Earlier, AIG Zone 6, Baba Adisa Bolanta further commended Governor Wike for mobilizing support in the Local Government Areas for the police to fight crime.
He said security is an expensive venture, pointing out that the Police will continue to seek more support from the state government. He said he was in Rivers State for a familiarization visit. The Police Chief noted that an helicopter has been devoted to Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River States by the Inspector General of Police.
He assured the people of the state of a crime free Christmas and new year celebration and that the police had developed new strategies to check criminality.
It will be recalled that Governor Wike had earlier donated 64 Sports Utility Vehicles to the Police and other security agencies to aid crime fighting in the State.