The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed concerns over activities linked to groups like the Ambazonian Boys, who are leading an armed insurrection against the Cameroonian government from Cross River State territory.
These concerns were conveyed to the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, by Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Border Patrol, Banji Lawal, during his visit yesterday.
Lawal said the Inspector General had directed a reinforcement of security at specific border points within Cross River State due to the Cameroonian insurgents and other cross-border crimes.
Lawal said his visit underscores ongoing efforts to fortify border security, foster cooperation between law enforcement agencies at all levels, and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.
AIG Lawal further stated that the aim of the visit was to acquaint the Deputy Governor with the operations of the Nigerian Police Border Patrol Unit, which is focused on combating arms trafficking and reducing cross-border crime.
Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Gyogon Grimah, and other senior officers, the AIG highlighted the unit’s efforts in collaboration with police in neighboring countries to curb the influx of arms and ammunition, which is crucial for stemming criminal activities.
Welcoming the AIG’s team, Odey emphasized the challenges faced by the state, which boasts a significant number of international and inter-state boundaries often exposed to hostile neighbors.
While expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the police and other security agencies in the protection of lives and property of the people in the affected areas of the state, Odey recounted recent inter-community conflicts, including the tragic Yache-Benue boundary dispute that resulted from a tenant’s failure to fulfill the obligation of providing a goat to the landlord community, which claimed 14 lives.
The Deputy Governor opined that while no community can be entirely crime-free, the Senator Sen. Prince Bassey Otu-led administration was committed to prioritizing peace and security for all residents, especially in the border areas of the state.
A few days ago, the Cameroon Consul, His Excellency Onana Patrice, visited the AIG in charge of Zone Six, Jonathan Towuru, and alleged that the Ambazonian fighters were using their kith and kin in Cross River State to smuggle arms into Cameroon.
In February this year, there were media reports that the Ambazonian Boys actually invaded communities in Obanliku LGA of the state and occupied Belegete community for over two weeks, where they abducted natives, raped women, burnt houses and exacted tolls from Nigerians living there.