Bayelsa Rejigs Security Outfit, Inaugurates Patrol Vans, Motobikes

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has warned criminal elements to henceforth steer clear of the state.

Diri gave the warning last Tuesday during the re-launch of the state security outfit code-named Operation Doo-Akpo.

He also inaugurated 50 brand new operational vehicles, 40 motorbikes, and security gadgets while signing into law the Community Safety Corps Bill passed by the state House of Assembly.

The law streamlines operations of the state security outfit ‘Operation Doo-Akpo’, and the special outfits, ‘Bayelsa Volunteers and Bayelsa Vigilante’ under one umbrella.

The governor’s move may not be unconnected to the serious security threats in the state as cult groups-turn-armed robbers have been disposing innocent citizens of their property almost everyday, while the waterways had been invaded constantly by rampaging sea pirates and kidnappers.

Speaking during the re-launch event at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, Diri noted that the exercise was to reinvigorate the security architecture of the state to make it more efficient in crime fighting.

According to him, the operations of the state security outfit were not to usurp the functions of the conventional security agencies but to support and collaborate with them in efforts to rid the state of criminals.

While acknowledging the enormous resources used to procure the assets, Diri said the priority of his administration is to ensure the prosperity of all, which cannot be achieved without security of lives and property.

Describing crime fighting as a collective effort, he appealed to security agencies to conceal the identity of informants to encourage people to report criminal activities.

Diri also appealed to Bayelsans to provide information to the security agencies that would lead to more effective crime fighting.

The governor thanked security agencies for their role in ensuring the relative peace in the state.

He also appreciated his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for establishing the ‘Operation Doo-Akpo’ in 2012, which he said has over the years assisted in combating crimes.

He said: “I have just signed the Community Safety Corps Bill into law. This is intended to complement the work of the constitutional recognised security agencies.

“The law also harmonises the special security outfits of the state under one umbrella. This means that henceforth, Operation Doo-Akpo, Bayelsa Volunteers and the Bayelsa Vigilante will operate under one umbrella.

“In line with our action plan for security, we have made progress in changing the mindset of our operatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, reinforced our alertness and increased mobility and response time. After comprehensively and holistically evaluating the situation, we have made informed and tailored decisions, allowing us to re-engage Doo-Akpo even more effectively, strengthening performance and guaranteeing the safety and security of our people. Improving responsiveness also requires that we have the requisite equipment and assets.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, stated that the Community Safety Corp Bill, which harmonised activities of security outfits in the state, would assist in curbing crime, protect government infrastructure in rural areas and engage youths of the state.

In a related development, Diri earlier met with the leadership of Ohaneze-Ndigbo in the state at the Government House in Yenagoa.

The governor at the meeting assured the Igbo community and other non-natives in the state of their safety and security.

He restated his government’s resolve to invoke the laws of the land against anyone bent on jeopardising the peace and security of lives and property in the state.

Diri assured the Ohaneze-Ndigbo leadership and their members doing business in the state that their investments are secure under his administration as they are partners in progress.

Speaking also, the leader of the Ohaneze-Ndigbo in Bayelsa State, Mazi Onuma Johnson, said the Igbo people have been part of the economic progress in the state, and would continue to play their role in the development of the state.

Johnson, who is also the Special Adviser to the governor on Non-Indigenes Matters, said they were pleased to identify with the ‘Prosperity Government’, stating that the motto of every Igbo man is ‘Prosperity for All’.