He warned that allowing unregistered vehicles to ply public roads emboldens criminal elements.

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has directed security agencies to clamp down on vehicles without proper registration or with concealed number plates, warning that such practices pose serious security threats.

Speaking at a meeting with heads of paramilitary organisations at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, Retired Vice Admiral Ibas noted the importance of enforcing road regulations to curb criminal activities facilitated by unregistered vehicles.

He also decried the frequent obstruction of roads caused by overturned tankers, maybe due to poor vehicle conditions and sometimes due to the actions and inactions of other road users.

The Administrator insisted that such acts, considered as serious traffic offences, must be curbed in order to minimise the number of casualties and deaths that are witnessed on the roads.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibas instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the police to ensure that only properly registered vehicles operate on the state?s roads.

He warned that allowing unregistered vehicles to ply public roads emboldens criminal elements.

?You have vehicles that ply our roads that are not registered. You have vehicles that have their plate numbers covered. I do not think that there is any law that permit such individuals to drive on roads. ?I want to ask the Federal Road Safety Corps working in collaboration with the Civil Defense and the Police to ensure that you bring these acts to the minimum,? he said.

The Rivers State Administrator warned of the security implications of poor enforcement, stressing that an insecure environment hampers economic activities and development.

He urged paramilitary organisations to intensify joint security operations to weaken criminal networks operating in the state.

?If you have people who can conduct their legitimate business and they are not able to conduct their business as enshrined in our laws, then they lose out, and criminals take over control of the state.

?I will, therefore, be needing you in all aspects of maintaining this law and order. It therefore, means that in conducting your various roles, you must have at heart the interest of Nigeria and the people of Rivers State in particular.?

He called for increased patrols and intelligence-sharing among security agencies, emphasizing that concerted efforts are required to secure the state.

He also highlighted the need for dialogue and intelligence gathering to address critical security issues such as kidnapping, illegal activities, and communal conflicts.

?I hereby direct that you increase your patrols. If criminals have access to our resources, of course, that means you are emboldening them.

?The responsibility has been given to individuals and organisations, as such, we must all work towards making sure that this state is very, very safe,? Ibas said.

The Administrator charged paramilitary agencies to actively engage with local communities, particularly in local government headquarters and villages, to promote peace through community policing initiatives.

He further directed them to support the police and other security agencies in public awareness campaigns to educate residents on security measures.

?Our efforts must be to ensure that we reduce insecurity. There is need for collaboration between you and intelligence sharing agencies of the Federal Government.

?Of course, you have your intelligence in the paramilitary, therefore you must work together with the military, the DSS and even the local intelligence in the various communities that you find yourself.

?I expect you all to work together to sensitize grassroots communities on the importance of a secure environment,? he stated. ?Your contributions over the years have been invaluable, and I count on your continued support to make Rivers State even safer.?

Vice Admiral Ibas assured that the Rivers State Government would provide the necessary support to enhance security operations across the state.

In response, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Rivers State Command, Felix Madumere, commended the Administrator for his leadership and insights.

He assured that paramilitary agencies would work collaboratively to uphold law and order and support the Administrator?s vision for a secure and peaceful Rivers State.(Channels TV)

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