The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Mr. Rashid Afegbua, has disclosed that his team has neutralized several security threats in parts of the state since he assumed office.
He spoke when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River State called on him in Calabar.
He assured that the Command has been working round the clock, often behind the scenes, to neutralize threats, intercept criminal gangs, and prevent attacks across coastal and hinterland communities.
According to him, many of the security breakthroughs achieved in recent months were the result of deep intelligence-sharing among the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and other allied agencies.
“If we don’t tell you, you won’t even know. We receive intelligence reports daily, about sea pirates, gun runners and planned kidnappings and we work silently to abort them. What you see as peace today comes from hard work behind the scenes,” he said.
The CP disclosed that the Command recently intercepted several stolen vehicles, dismantled betting hubs used as criminal hideouts, and intensified surveillance around riverine communities notorious for illegal boat movements.
Speaking earlier, state Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, acknowledged the efforts of the police in crime-fighting in recent times, saying there has been significant improvement in safety across the state.
“Journalists in the state have observed a reduction in theft and violent crimes,” she said, crediting the development to the vigilance of Police personnel.
As the Yuletide season nears, Bassey appealed for heightened security surveillance, warning that criminals often attempt to take advantage of increased human and vehicular movement to perpetrate crimes.
“We are partners in building the state and the nation. We will continue to support the Command,” the Chairman added.
Both parties agreed to deepen communication channels, strengthen mutual trust, and work collaboratively to maintain the state’s status as a peaceful and safe environment for residents and visitors.
The CP thanked the journalists for the visit, noting that their cooperation was “critical for projecting accurate information” and countering misinformation that could trigger panic.