Wike launches ‘Operation Sting’ to fight insecurity in Rivers

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Friday launched a new state security outfit code-named ‘Operation Sting’ to improve the security of lives and property across the state.

Wike explained that the operation would be fully funded by the state government to tackle criminal elements and reduce crime and criminality in all parts of the state.

The governor said the security outfit would tackle the sources and drivers of insecurity, warning that all criminals in the state would be got rid of.

On logistics for the take-off of the outfit, Wike said, “Under Operation Sting, we have taken concrete steps to strengthen the logistics and operational capability of the civil and armed security forces.

“Seventy-six patrol/operational vehicles fitted with communication gadgets, eight armoured fitted gunboats to tighten coastal security and protect our waterways from the activities of criminals.”

Others, the governor said are, “Two Armoured Personnel Carriers for police swift responses actions, 450 hand-held mobile radios to enhance communication among the security personnel and overcome the current wide gaps in intelligence gathering.”

The governor said the state government had established operational bases in all the 23 local government areas to strengthen the command, control structures of the initiative and ensure effective coordination and synergy with the state headquarters, the LGAs and the communities.

While appreciating the personnel of the outfit, who will participate in the new security architecture, the governor said the state government had set up a fund to take care of their families should they suffer any calamity in the course of their service.

He acknowledged that the state had faced major security challenges in the area of kidnapping, cult activities and armed robbery.

Wike said the state was not yet as peaceful as the administration desired, hence the renewed effort to stamp out criminality.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, explained that the objective of the operation was to get rid of criminals and reduce crime to the barest minimum.

Wike’s wife urges women to improve capacities

In another development, the wife of the governor, Suzzette, urged women to shun feminine rivalries and improve their capacities to succeed in the business world.

Mrs Wike, who stated this during a female entrepreneurship training conference organised by a non-profit organisation – ImpactHer – in Port Harcourt, urged the women to trust in their competences and always create avenues to improve in order to compete favourably with their male counterparts.

She advised female business owners to harness their differences in achieving their goals, rather than fight over such differences.