Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has commended the Rivers and Bayelsa State Police Commands for successful joint patrols and bush-clearing operations along the boundary between the two states.
The Congress described the operation as timely and strategic in strengthening security, preventing criminal activity, and safeguarding residents ahead of the ember months.
The joint exercise was carried out in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intensify security operations and clear areas suspected to be used as criminals’ hideouts.
The patrol was led by the Commissioners of Police in Rivers and Bayelsa States, CP Olugbenga Adepoju and CP Ajao Adewale respectively.
Speaking to journalists during the operation, CP Adepoju of Rivers State said the exercise was aimed at clearing flashpoints and thick bushy areas along the boundary that could pose security threats.
He assured residents that the ember period would be safe, stressing that the two commands would leave no stone unturned in protecting lives and property in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
On his part, CP Adewale of Bayelsa State described the operation as a demonstration of inter-state cooperation designed to deny criminals access to bushy areas along the boundary.
The Orashi National Congress noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by the two commands to strengthen inter-state security cooperation and prevent criminals from exploiting the porous boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States.
ONC described the joint patrol and bush-clearing exercise as “very commendable and highly impressive,” adding that such synergy is critical to sustaining peace and stability in Orashi communities and other border areas.
The Congress urged the Police Commands to sustain the tempo of the patrols, deepen intelligence sharing, and continue to engage community stakeholders to ensure lasting security across the region.