Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has called for synergy among security agencies in the state to enhance their performance and reduce all forms of crime to the barest minimum.
Governor Ikpeazu who gave the call when he received the new commander 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia,Brigadier-General Solomon Babatunde Kumapayi,at Government House Umuahia,said the war against criminality cannot be achieved without proper synergy among the various security agencies in the State.
“One very important line of action towards a robust security framework is synergy. There must be a proper understanding between the agencies in charge of security in Abia.
“I am mindful of the constitutional provision as to who leads the front line, but in real practice this is like war and everyone ought to work together”,the Governor said.
He described the proliferation of small arms as a major problem in tackling crime and other forms of criminalities, and directed the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state to mount surveillance and nip in the bud the proliferation of Small arms within and around communities sharing common Boundary with the state.
The governor while noting that the vision of his administration was in line with the agenda of the Federal Government to boost socioeconomic development,stressed the need for security agencies in the State to focus on tackling banditry, cultism, drug abuse, armed robbery and kidnapping.
He commended the gallantry of officers of the Nigerian Army for providing security for the NIBRA Shoe Factory and other investments in parts of the state,pointing out that his administration is committed to implementing programs and policies aimed at creating a safe haven for investors and the people of the state.
Earlier, the Commander 14 Brigade,Nigerian Army Ohafia,Brigadier General Solomon Babatunde Kumapayi restated the commitment of his command to the task of maintaining peace and security in the state in addition to nipping in the bud issues of cultism, Robbery, banditry and other small crimes which he said are not peculiar to the Abia alone.
While assuring of collaboration with other security agencies in the state,Kumapayi commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his support to the Nigerian Army and pleaded for sustenance of such robust working relationship.
