In a strategic move to bolster security measures along Cross River State’s border corridors, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in-charge of Border Patrol, AIG Banji Lawal, paid a crucial visit to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD in Government House, Calabar on Thursday.
Welcoming the AIG and his team, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey commended the professionalism exhibited by the Cross River State Commissioner of Police and his team. He emphasized the challenges faced by the state, which boasts a significant number of international and inter-state boundaries often exposed to hostile neighbors. While expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the police and other security agencies in the protection of lives and property of the people in the affected areas of the state, the Deputy Governor recounted recent inter-community conflicts, including the tragic Yache-Benue boundary that resulted from a dispute over the failure of a tenant to fulfill the obligation of a goat to the landlord community, which claimed 14 lives.
The Deputy Governor opined that while no community can be entirely crime-free, the Senator Sen. Prince Bassey Otu-led administration was committed to prioritizing peace and security for all residents especially in the border correct of the state.
In his address, AIG Lawal stated that the aim of the visit was to acquaint the Deputy Governor with the operations of the Nigerian Police Border Patrol Unit, which is focused on combating arms trafficking and reducing cross-border crime.
During the meeting, the AIG highlighted the unit’s efforts in collaboration with police in the neighboring countries to curb the influx of arms and ammunition, crucial for stemming criminal activities. He informed the Deputy Governor of recent directives from the Inspector General of Police to reinforce security at specific border points within the state, citing concerns over activities linked to groups like the Ambazonians from Cameroon.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts to fortify border security and foster cooperation between law enforcement agencies at all levels, ensuring a safer environment for all Cross Riverians.
AIG Lawal was accompanied on the visit to the Deputy Governor by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Gyogon Grimah and other Senior officers.
© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar.
