In a significant demonstration of inter-state security cooperation and operational synergy, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, Mnipr, today, Tuesday, 30th June 2026, held a high-level strategic security meeting with his counterpart, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips at the common boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said the historic engagement underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening inter-command collaboration, fostering intelligence-led policing, and sustaining coordinated operational strategies aimed at effectively tackling crimes that transcend state boundaries.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both Commissioners of Police to critically assess prevailing security dynamics along the shared border communities, identify emerging threats, and develop practical frameworks for enhanced operational cooperation. Discussions centred on improving real-time intelligence sharing, synchronising crime prevention strategies, coordinating tactical operations, enhancing rapid response capabilities, and ensuring seamless communication between Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units within both Commands.
Recognising that criminal elements often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade law enforcement, both Commissioners reaffirmed their resolve to deny criminals safe havens through sustained joint operations, coordinated patrols, strategic stop-and-search exercises, intelligence-driven raids, and continuous surveillance of identified flashpoints. They further agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy, illegal arms trafficking, trafficking in persons, pipeline vandalism, and other organised crimes capable of threatening the peace and security of both states.
The Commissioners also resolved to institutionalise regular strategic engagements between the two Commands, ensuring continuous review of security architecture, exchange of actionable intelligence, and prompt operational responses to emerging security concerns. This collaborative framework is expected to significantly enhance public safety, improve response time to criminal incidents, and reinforce confidence in the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively protect lives and property.
Speaking during the meeting, both Police Commissioners reaffirmed that security remains a collective responsibility and emphasised that no effort will be spared in ensuring that criminal networks operating across both states are dismantled through intelligence-driven policing, professionalism, and unwavering operational commitment.
They further reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains united, resolute, and fully committed to implementing the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on inter-agency cooperation, proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and community-focused security management as critical pillars for achieving sustainable peace and public safety across the country.
The Commissioners called on residents of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, particularly those residing within border communities, to continue supporting the Police by remaining vigilant and promptly providing credible and timely information that will assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements. They assured the public that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon with professionalism.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assures members of the public that this renewed partnership marks another significant milestone in the collective determination of both Commands to maintain law and order, safeguard lives and property, preserve public confidence, and ensure that the shared boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States remains secure, peaceful, and completely hostile to criminal activities.
The Command remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property and will continue to work collaboratively with sister security agencies, neighbouring Police Commands, and law-abiding citizens to guarantee a safer and more secure society for all.
