Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended security agencies for their dedication in restoring relative peace across the state, urging them to sustain their professionalism, synergy, and collaborative efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the charge while declaring open the Cross River State Security Summit 2026, themed “Cross River Unites Against Terror,” held on Thursday at the Pearl Ballroom, Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
He described security as the foundation upon which development in all its ramifications thrives, noting that investment, tourism, commerce, and sustainable development can only flourish in a peaceful and secure environment.
Odey said the state’s improved security is the result of Bassey Otu’s administration proactive interventions and the commitment of security agencies, including the establishment of Operation Okwok and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
While applauding the successes recorded, Odey urged security agencies not to relent but to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, maintain professionalism, and uphold respect for human rights. He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth and women groups, the media, and residents to support security efforts through vigilance and timely intelligence sharing.
“The theme of today’s summit, ‘Cross River State Unites Against Terror,’ is a clear declaration. We say no to kidnapping, no to armed robbery, no to banditry, and no to anything that threatens the lives, property, and dignity of our people. This summit is not just another meeting; it is a united call to action,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Cross River State Command, Mr. Oluwole Faluyi, commended the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for its proactive efforts in sustaining peace and strengthening the state’s security architecture. He described the “Unite Against Terror” campaign as a collective call to action, emphasizing that lasting peace and security require the active participation of every citizen through vigilance, cooperation with lawful authorities, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
“The ‘Unite Against Terror’ campaign is a call to action, not merely a slogan. Lasting peace and security cannot be achieved by government or security agencies alone. Every resident of Cross River State has a responsibility to remain vigilant, cooperate with lawful authorities, and promote peaceful coexistence,” Faluyi said. He added that Cross River State’s peaceful reputation must be preserved through shared responsibility, respect for the rule of law, community participation, and proactive measures to prevent security threats before they take root.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Security Summit 2026, warmly welcomed participants to what she described as a historic gathering aimed at strengthening the state’s collective resolve against emerging security threats. She said the summit, themed “Unite Against Terror,” represents the beginning of a renewed social contract between government and citizens to safeguard lives, preserve peace, and reinforce the security architecture of the State.
Akpala stressed that security is a shared responsibility that demands the active participation of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and every citizen. While noting that the state has remained one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, she emphasized that sustaining that reputation requires vigilance, intelligence sharing, and community collaboration. She expressed optimism that the summit would produce practical and measurable strategies for tackling terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other security challenges, while building a safer and more resilient state.
The highpoint of the summit was the presentation of papers, goodwill messages, and the adoption of the communiqué and summit resolutions.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
July 30, 2026
