Akwa Ibom, Rivers police strengthen border security
The Commissioners of Police for Akwa Ibom and Rivers states have agreed to strengthen cross-border security collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated crime-fighting strategies to tackle criminal activities along their shared boundary.
The resolution was reached on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, during a high-level strategic security meeting between the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare and his Rivers State counterpart, Olugbenga Adepoju, at the common boundary between the two states.
*A'Ibom and Rivers states police
Etim Ekpimah
The Commissioners of Police for Akwa Ibom and Rivers states have agreed to strengthen cross-border security collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated crime-fighting strategies to tackle criminal activities along their shared boundary.
The resolution was reached on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, during a high-level strategic security meeting between the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare and his Rivers State counterpart, Olugbenga Adepoju, at the common boundary between the two states.
The meeting focused on reviewing the security situation in border communities, identifying emerging threats and developing practical measures to improve operational cooperation between the two commands.
Discussions centred on real-time intelligence sharing, synchronised crime prevention strategies, coordinated tactical operations, enhanced rapid response capabilities and seamless communication among Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and other operational units in both states.
The police chiefs noted that criminal elements often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade arrest and resolved to deny them safe havens through sustained joint operations, coordinated patrols, strategic stop-and-search exercises, intelligence-led raids and continuous surveillance of identified flashpoints.
They also agreed to deepen collaboration in tackling armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy, illegal arms trafficking, human trafficking, pipeline vandalism and other forms of organised crime capable of threatening the peace and security of both states.
Speaking after the meeting, the commissioners reaffirmed that “security remains a collective responsibility” and stressed 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.”
The commissioners 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.”
Both commands also resolved to institutionalise regular strategic meetings to continuously review the security architecture along the border, exchange actionable intelligence and respond swiftly to emerging security threats.
The commissioners urged residents of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, particularly those in border communities, to remain vigilant and support the police by providing credible and timely information to help prevent crime and apprehend criminals.
The commissioners assured the public that all information provided would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command described the renewed partnership as “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 reaffirmed its commitment to working with neighbouring police commands, other security agencies and law-abiding citizens to protect lives and property and ensure a safer society.
