By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, on Tuesday inaugurated “Operation Crush” initiative as part of the state government’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.

Speaking during the event at the Trademore Event Center in Umuahia, Otti said that his administration had zero tolerance for any form of criminality in any part of Abia.

The governor said that security could be best described as the foundation for building enduring prosperity in a society.

He added that the Initiative was a practical demonstration of the state government’s unflinching commitment to establish peace and stability in the state.

Otti said that the operation would be made up of a joint task force of security operatives from the Nigerian Police Force, the Army, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Directorate of State Security and the Nigerian Navy.

He said that the special operation had been technically set up to swiftly identify, analyse and respond to security threats from and within any part of the state.

Otti said: “As the codename indicates, the goal is to counter with necessary force, any incidence of kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of violent crimes anywhere in the state.

“Special attention will be focused on flashpoints around communities within Umunneochi and Isuikwuato local government areas with a firm determination to identify and clear all criminal hideouts.

“This will be done using the superiority of our arms and the operational expertise of the security personnel on this team.

“As you are aware, kidnappers and armed robbers have made economic and social activities almost impossible for thousands in those communities, restricted the movement of honest men and women, driven farmers out of their farmlands and several families away from their homes.”

He said that special attention would be given to areas such as Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Umuahia, Aba and other flash points across the state, because innocent citizens had fallen victim to the activities of mindless criminals in these areas.

Otti condemned the recent attack on the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, where two security personnel were killed and described it as an affront to the state government.

He charged security agents to be ruthless with criminals, identify security flashpoints and avoid harassment of innocent citizens.

Otti said that any security personnel or individual found guilty of aiding and abetting criminal elements would be made to face the full weight of the law.

The governor called for collaborative efforts between community leaders and security operatives with respect to intelligence gathering.

Otti said the government was taking steps to create legitimate opportunities for youth in the state to be gainfully employed, adding that unemployment was not an excuse for one to get involved in crime.

He said that the government would continue to work with all critical stakeholders to avert crime and collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the welfare of security operatives.

Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, said that security was a serious business because of its role in socioeconomic growth of a society.

Onwuemelie commended the government for prioritising security as well as demonstrating commitment in ensuring that peace and stability would be achieved in Abia.

He assured that security agencies in the state would do their best to ensure that the governor’s vision was achieved in terms of security.

Earlier, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Secretary to the State Government, said that the initiative was a demonstration of the state government’s commitment towards creating a peaceful and secured environment for the survival of Abia people and their investors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of 20 Toyota Hilux Vans to security operatives. (NAN)

Update news