You must deal ruthlessly with criminals, Otti directs security agencies

*As Abia launches new anti-crime fighting strategy

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia 

Hard times await now await criminals and kidnappers in Abia State.

This is because the state government has come up with a security strategy designed not only to flush out all criminal elements in the state but to “crush” them. 

The security initiative codenamed “Operation Crush”was launched in Umuahia, the state capital on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, with newly acquired weapons .on display.

Government officials and security personnel who spoke during the launch of the first phase of the security initiative categorically described Operation Crush as a strategic move designed to combat the surge in violent crimes and eliminate criminal activities within the state.

They added that by launching the joint security operation which. involves all security agencies in the state, government was giving practical effect to it’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property of its citizens and fostering a safe and secure environment for all residents and visitors in the state.

Addressing Abians who gathered at the Okpara Square Event Centre to witness the launch of the new crime fighting strategy, the state governor, Dr Alex Otti, who unequivocally served quit notice to all criminal elements operating to leave the state immediately directed security operatives to deal. ruthlessly with criminals.

He described the Operation Crush Security initiative as government’s “strong and coordinated response to the lingering challenge of insecurity in parts of the state which has made life nightmarish for many,” adding that Aba, Isuikwuato, Umuahia and Umummeochi have been identified as flash points of criminality which would be given special attention in order to dislodge the hoodlums who operate in those areas.

The Governor reiterated that his government places premium on security as the foundation for enduring prosperity and would not fold it’s arms and watch kidnappers and armed robbers turn the Lokpa-Leru-Lomara-Nneato-Isuochi- Uturu axis to a “war zone” where many travellet’s, as well as students and staff of Abia State University, Uturu, have fallen victims to the mindless criminals, with many lives lost and economic activities grounded.

According to the Governor, the recent attack on the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, as well as the killing of two security personnel attached to the Commissioner, which he described as an affront on the state government, fortified his determination to make every part of the state unsafe for criminals.

“Today we say never again. We shall no longer share one inch of our territory with criminals and their sponsors; from this day. I announce to those who delight in bringing pains to families and communities that no part of the state shall be safe for them again.

“They can only accept one of two options; to leave the state in a hurry or be crushed by the series of mechanisms we have put in place to track and decisively speak to them in the one language they can understand: the language of superior force.

“The security operatives driving this exercise have my strict instructions to be brave and ruthless to the criminals; we shall neither negotiate nor concede anything to anyone threatening the peace and security of innocent citizens,” Otti warned.

He recalled that on assumption of office, his administration clearly stated it’s zero-toleranice for any form of criminality in any part of Abia, adding that government was commited to fulfilling that promise and urged security agents to be vigilant, relentless, and fair in their operations, and advised them against harassing innocent citizens, warning that any security personnel who deviates from the rules of the would be dealt with.

Governor Otti called on community leaders and stakeholders to provide valuable insights on security matters and issued a warning that the full force of the law shall be applied in dealing with landlords, traditional rulers, leaders of the various markets and heads of different settler communities who harbour or provide any form of assistance to individuals who threaten the security of the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, in his remarks on behalf of other Service Chiefs in the state, commended Governor Otti for his dedication to the security of the Abia citizenry and assured the public that the security agencies were determined to achieve the Governor’s vision.

Earlier,the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, noted that the formal launch of the joint security initiative was a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment towards instituting a peaceful and secured environment to safeguard citizens and encourage investments.

Highlights of the launch included the presentation of 20 branded Hilux Vans by the state government to various security agencies in the state: Department of State Security, Nigeria Police Force, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Army, whose Heads were present during the event.