The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has launched the new special security action plan, “OPERATION RP” in the South-South region of the country. The IGP, who flagged-off the special operation on May 19, at the Sharks Football Stadium, in Port-Harcourt City Local Government Area, noted that the move is a continuation of the implementation process of the special operation in the country.
He stressed that the operation in the South-South region is also targeted at stemming the tide of violent attacks and breakdown of law and order, in a bid to put under control the heightened threats to lives and property occasioned by the secessionists activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal elements in the region.
The IGP condemned the increased cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, economic sabotage and other threats to public safety bedeviling the region. These crimes, the IGP observed, are in addition to series of violent attacks on security personnel and formation in the region.
He expressed confidence 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 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 further 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, represented by His Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, affirmed the zero tolerance of the State Government to crimes and criminality in Rivers State. Commending the IGP for the initiative, the Governor, 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.
