UYO – In a renewed effort to combat cross-border crime and strengthen public safety, the Commissioners of Police for Akwa Ibom and Rivers states have agreed to deepen security collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated policing along the boundary linking both states.
The strategic security meeting, held on Tuesday at the common boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, brought together the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and his Rivers State counterpart, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing inter-state security cooperation as both police chiefs reviewed the prevailing security situation in border communities and adopted practical measures to tackle crimes that cut across state boundaries.
Discussions focused on strengthening real-time intelligence sharing, harmonising crime prevention strategies, coordinating tactical operations, improving rapid response mechanisms and ensuring seamless communication among Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and other operational units in both commands.
The Commissioners noted that criminal elements often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade arrest and vowed to deny them safe havens through sustained joint patrols, coordinated stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led raids and continuous surveillance of identified flashpoints.
They also resolved to intensify collaboration in tackling armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy, illegal arms trafficking, human trafficking, pipeline vandalism and other organised crimes capable of threatening peace and security in both states.
As part of the resolutions reached, both Commands agreed to institutionalise regular strategic meetings to continually review security developments, exchange actionable intelligence and coordinate prompt responses to emerging threats.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioners reaffirmed that, security is a collective responsibility and pledged to dismantle criminal networks operating across both states through professionalism, intelligence-driven policing and sustained operational commitment.
They also reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to implementing the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on proactive policing, inter-command collaboration, intelligence-led operations and community-based security management.
The police chiefs appealed to residents of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, particularly those living in border communities, to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information. They assured members of the public that all useful information would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command described the renewed partnership as a major milestone in the collective determination of both Commands to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and ensure that the boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States remains secure and hostile to criminal activities.
