Ayade relocates anti-crime security outfit to Calabar South

Government House Press|9 April 2017 

In a proactive effort at checkmating cult-related activities in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade, weekend relocated the state's anti-crime security outfit, popularly called "Operation Skolombo" to Calabar South Local Government Area.

Addressing the outfit comprising the army, navy, air force, police and civil defence at Anantigha, headquarters of Calabar South, Governor Ayade said the relocation was done in good faith.

Accompanied by the Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brig Gen. Bulama Biu, the State Security Adviser, Mr Jude Ngaji, among others, the governor added: "As you are all aware, statistics has shown clearly that indeed Calabar South is a key area of our focus, hence you are supposed to be were the hottest spot is, so that you can respond swiftly."

Governor Ayade promised the release of additional operational vehicles to enable the outfit respond swiftly to the security challenges in the state, considering the demography of the area.

Continuing, Ayade assured that "because Calabar South has a lot of entrants into the waterways, it is a difficult terrain to deal with, we are also bringing in some boats from the Nigerian Navy to station at all points from where you can have access to the waterways." Justifying further, the relocation of Operation Skolombo to the area, the governor who ordered the assessment of street lighting in the area, noted that "the criminality in Calabar South could only be controlled when there is full force in the area." He disclosed that "we are going to reinforce Cross River State, reinforce Calabar and Calabar South in particular to ensure that we make it impossible for any criminal to access it."

He charged the troops not to compromise their roles in the area but remain strong and steadfast in the discharge of their duties as "anything that interfers with the peace and security of the state is interfering with its entire existence." 

Decked in a camouflage, the governor explained: "I choose to come in this regalia so that all the bad boys will know that even the governor is combat ready. I am not impersonating a military officer, I am the Chief Security Officer of the state. It is therefore my responsibility to show fellowship and support with you."

While introducing the troops to the governor, Gen. Biu, intimated that "it is high time the headquarters of Operation Skolombo be relocated here so that we can be more efficient trying to fight the security challenges as it affects this area."