Security Agencies, Stakeholders Partnering To Improve Security - DPO

CSP Ahmed Ibrahim Kamba

Synergy between the security agencies in Bonny Local Government Area and other stakeholders has helped in no small measure to improve security in the area as its prepares to host inbound investment projects such as the train 7 plus project of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), the Bonny/Bodo road project, and deep seaport.

Ahead of these projects there was already an upsurge in the population of the area consequent upon which the attendant security challenges seem to be assuming an upward trend.

But with a functional and robust synergy between the Police, Army, Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others and the local government council led by the Chairman of the LGA, David Irimagha, the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, CON, the Bonny Council of Chiefs, heads of multinationals in the area, amongst other stakeholders security on the island has improved tremendously.

The Divisional Police Officer of Bonny Division, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Ibrahim Kamba, disclosed this in a chat with Kristina Reports in his office in Bonny. He pointed out that with the recent coordinated approaches, increased surveillance and multilateral collaborations security of lives and properties has been assured. 

He explained that the Police has received remarkable support and encouragement from the current LG Chairman, who he described as versed in security matters and appreciates the challenges the security agencies face in the course of discharging their duties.

CSP Kamba used the opportunity to debunk allegations that he was building a mosque within the police barracks, saying that he was the only Muslim in division at the moment and could not be building a mosque for himself while there were mosques in different parts of the town.
 
He also denied discriminating against non-Muslims, pointing out that the various patrol teams surveilling the vast community were more of Christians, as such, queried, “will they be discriminating against their fellow Christians?” He noted that his men were very professional in the discharge of their duties and would not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizens.
 
He clarified that contrary to insinuations that he was erecting shops within the barracks; the said shops were being built by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) but has been stopped by the local government chairman due to the controversy surrounding the project.

CSP Kamba also denied extorting operators of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the area, saying that due to his refusal to meddle in the crisis rocking the unions which have different factions fighting for supremacy, but opted for a neutral role in resolving the issues under contention, some elements among them were bent on blackmailing him.

He further stated that there was no iota of truth in the allegation that he was carrying out selective enforcement of the dusk to dawn curfew on commercial motorcycles. He clarified that some of them were working as informants for the police but upon a recent security evaluation during strategic meetings with the LG Chairman, it was resolved that a total curfew on the operations of commercial motorcycles from the hours of 7pm to 6am should be fully implemented.

“I have been going out every night to monitor the situation and you can verify for yourself that no okada runs in the night anymore. Though we engaged some of them to help us with intelligence gathering, that was no there as the chairman has said we should stop everyone of them,” he explained.

He urged residents of the area to go about their normal activities and give full support to the police to assist them discharge their duties effectively.