The Cross River State Police Command and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public safety, enhancing intelligence-sharing and promoting responsible information management as the state prepares for the busy festive season.
This renewed partnership followed a courtesy visit on Friday by the leadership of the NUJ to the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, at the State Police Headquarters, Calabar. The meeting underscored the shared resolve of both institutions to sustain Cross River’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and hospitable destinations.
Welcoming the delegation, CP Bello described the media as “the last oversight body,” acknowledging the vital role journalists play in promoting accountability, shaping public confidence and spotlighting security concerns that demand urgent institutional response.
He disclosed that the Command has been working tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to neutralise threats, intercept criminal networks and prevent attacks across both coastal and hinterland communities. Many of the recent security breakthroughs, he noted, were achieved through robust inter-agency intelligence-sharing involving the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and other sister organisations.
“If we don’t tell you, you won’t even know,” the CP explained. “We receive intelligence daily, about sea pirates, gun runners, planned kidnappings, and we work quietly to abort them. The peace people enjoy is the product of consistent, unseen effort.”
He further revealed that the Command recently recovered multiple stolen vehicles, dismantled betting centres serving as criminal hideouts, and intensified surveillance around riverine settlements known for illicit boat movements. He added that officers have also been deployed to markets to enforce the Inspector-General’s ban on fireworks, cautioning that banned explosives pose significant risks during Yuletide celebrations.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, CP Bello said the media remains indispensable in projecting accurate information, countering misinformation and fostering public trust in security operations.
In her remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, commended the Police for the marked improvement in security across the state, particularly in areas such as Satellite Town, which previously grappled with frequent robbery and kidnapping incidents. She noted that journalists have observed “a clear reduction in theft and violent crimes,” attributing the gains to the enhanced vigilance and operational visibility of the Police.
She appealed for increased security presence during the festive period, noting that criminal elements often exploit heightened human and vehicular movement at this time of year. “We are partners in building the state and the nation,” she said. “The NUJ will continue to support the Command in every way possible.”
Kingsley Agim
