By Augustine Ehikioya
With the assumption of duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command on 2nd May, 2023, CP Romokere Ibani, more achievement have been recorded against crimes in the State.
The latest arrests were ten suspected armed robbers and cultists.
This was disclosed during the maiden press briefing by CP Romokere Ibani. It was monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA).
On assumption of duty, he said, himself and the Command Management Team designed a robust operation strategy to deal decisively will crimes and criminal elements in the State.
He said “The robust strategy has strengthened the tactical teams for effective delivery of Police service, within few weeks of my arrival the Command was able to record tremendous gains in crime fighting in the State.”
Speaking on the arrests, he said “On 27th April, 2023 on a tip-off, the Operatives of SWAT Unit, arrested two (2) armed robbery suspects, namely; Christopher Colombia 39 years and Appah Wisdom Deinyefa 30 years, upon a search of their apartment at Bozi Waters Road, Yenagoa, the Police recovered;
“Two (2) locally made pistols, One (1) live cartridge, one (1) walkie talkie, six (6) machetes and one (1) face mask. Investigation is ongoing.”
On another case, he said “On 16th Jan, 2023 at about 0920hrs, the Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call that armed robbers operating with a Toyota Corola Reg No ABH 847 AY attacked a POS Stand at Imgbi Junction and disposed the POS operator and her customer of the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) only.
“During a hot chase, the armed robbers abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels. The vehicle was recovered and in a follow up operation, one Ebisine Gede ‘m’ 31 years was arrested on 9th March, 2023.”
According to him, the suspect has made useful confessional statement to the Police, while investigation is still ongoing.
Also revealing another case, he said “On 9th March, 2023 at about 1410hrs a POS operator was attacked by armed robbers and disposed of the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) only.
“In a follow-up operation, operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, through a tip-off arrested one Clement John on the same day, at Swali Community. During a search of their hideout, Five (5) Machetes, one (1) Dagger, Two (2) locally made pistols, Two (2) expended cartridges and Two (2) live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.
On arrested cult suspects, the CP said “On 11th April, 2023 at about 2023hrs, Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call about a rival cult clash at Amarata, Yenagoa. On arrival the team arrested one Erenyanate Godsday.
“In a follow-up operation on 28th April, 2023 one Elliot Princewill ‘m’ 23yrs, was arrested and one silver automatic pistol and Three (3) rounds of 9.mm ammunition were recovered from him. The Police is on the trail of other gang members.
He went on “On 18th May, 2023 at about 1700hrs, Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit while responding to a distress call about cult activities at Swali Community, Yenagoa, sighted the cult boys at the Community.
“The team pursued the boys and arrested Four (4) suspects namely; James Peter ‘m’ 20yrs, Esuye Ikeloti 22yrs, Nathaniel Godwin 21yrs, Taretobou Indikeye ‘f’ 22yrs, were arrested and the following exhibits were recovered from them; one (1) English made pistol, two (2) locally made pistols, one (1) Knife and one (1) .9mm ammunition. Investigation is ongoing,”
The CP said the modest achievements were made possible due to the commitment of the Police Officers and the cooperation of members of the public.
“My leadership style will be anchored on principle of Community Policing and intelligence driven approach to solving crime. I will rejig the Command Control Room to ensure a coordinated response to distress calls.
“Police Officers under my watch will be motivated to strive for professionalism and excellence in discharging their duties. I have also charged my Officers and men to be firm and courageous in discharging their duties and to be civil and uphold the ethics of the Police profession.”
The Command, he said, will work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure public safety and security in the State.
He said he will also create a robust partnership with the Press, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Liberty Organizations (CLOs), Faith Based Organizations, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Youths and Women Groups.
“Together, we can be able to surmount the daunting challenge of confronting armed robbers, cultist, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the State.”
He added “I’m aware that the people of Bayelsa State are peace loving, hardworking and enterprising, I will work hard with my team to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment to all and sundry.
“I’m hereby soliciting for the support, cooperation and partnership of the good and well-meaning people of the State to the Police Command and other security agencies to enable us curb crime to the barest minimum in the State.
“Finally, I’m sending a strong warning to criminal elements to flee or turn a new leaf, as the Command under my watch will deal decisively with all forms of crime and criminality in the State,” he stated.
