IGP Launches Operation Restore Peace In South-South Region
…As Governor Pledges Zero Tolerance For Criminality
The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, last week Wednesday launched the new special security action plan, in the South-South region of the country. The IGP, who flagged-off the special operation, at the Sharks Football Stadium, Port-Harcourt, noted that the move is a continuation of the implementation process of the special operation in the country.
He further noted that the operation in the South-South region is also targeted at stemming the tide of violent attacks and breakdown of law and order, and contain the heightened threats to lives and property occasioned by the secessionist activities of some groups.
The IGP condemned the increased cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, economic sabotage and other threats to public safety bedevilling the region.
These crimes, the IGP observed, are in addition to series of violent attacks on security personnel and formation in the region.
He however expressed utmost belief that the new special operation action plan will re-order and stabilize security in the South-South region, noting that personnel deployed for the operation have been charged to courageously and fiercely defend themselves and innocent citizens as well as critical national infrastructure against any arms-bearing criminal group or elements.
The IGP appreciated the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Nyesom Wike, other South-South Governors, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders and other state actors in the region, for their individual and collective efforts toward supporting the Police and the law enforcement community in achieving a safe, secure and peaceful south-south region.
He assured that the new special operation will provide an all-inclusive front to confront criminal elements, take the battle to their doorsteps and re-order the cherished national values of peace and unity in the region.
The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezebuwon Wike represented by His Deputy, Dr.Ipalibo Banigo affirmed the zero tolerance of the State Government to crimes and criminality in Rivers State.
He commended the IGP for the initiative and pledged support of the State Government to the success of “Operation Restore Peace” in the State, the South-South region and the country at large.
Other dignitaries at the flag-off program include representatives of other Governors of the South-South States, Traditional Rulers and Clergymen among others.
The IGP enjoined citizens in the South-South region to give full support to security personnel throughout the period of the operation and beyond. He re-affirmed that the operation will be people-driven, human-right focused but ruthless on criminal elements.