There is no hiding place for criminals again in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti OFR, has declared as he launches a joint security initiative codenamed, Operation Crush, to flush out criminals in the state.

Governor Otti said Operation Crush is the government's "strong and coordinated response" to the lingering challenge of insecurity in parts of the state, which has made life nightmarish for many.
The joint security task force is constituted by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Directorate of State Security and the Nigerian Navy.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of the anti-crime special force on Tuesday in Umuahia, Dr. Otti recalled that during his inauguration as Governor in May 29th, 2023, he made it clear that his government would have zero tolerance to any form of criminality in the State.
He lamented how criminal elements have made life unbearable for thousands of people and some communities, especially around the Umunnechi and Isuikwuato axis of the State, halted socio-economic activities and made people flee their homes and farmlands.
The Governor, who was joined in the launch by his Deputy, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, vowed that not under his watch would any part of the state be left under the control of criminal elements.
"Today we say never again. We shall no longer share one inch of our territory with criminals and their sponsors; from this day, I announce to those who delight in bringing pains to families and communities that no part of the state shall be safe for them again.
"They can only accept one of two options; to leave the state in a hurry or be crushed by the series of mechanisms we have put in place to track and decisively speak to them in the one language they can understand: the language of superior force.
"We shall neither negotiate nor concede anything to anyone threatening the peace and security of innocent citizens," Dr. Otti asserted.
The Governor said that special attention would be given to specific identified flashpoints within the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi axis, which have become the hotbed of different forms of criminalities, ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery.
He cautioned security agents involved in the exercise against harassing innocent citizens, saying they would be held accountable for any act of overzealousness.
"To be clear, while the security agents have been directed to be hard and unforgiving on the criminals, doing whatever is necessary to restore law and order, especially in the already identified flashpoints, they have also been reminded to guard against any form of exuberances that could result in the harassment of innocent citizens.
"The officials in charge of the operations in various zones shall be held responsible for any form of harassment and abuses reported against their men. Your charge is simple: dislodge criminals from their hideouts and make the state secure for law abiding citizens," he cautioned.
He identified Intelligence gathering as key to the success of the exercise and called on the citizens and community leaders to play active role in providing useful information on the locations and hideouts of criminals living within their communities, as nothing much could be achieved without intelligence gathering.
According to Governor Otti, no fewer than 30 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles, fitted with communication and other security equipment were bought for the exercise by the Abia State Government.
Also, speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu submitted that security architecture is important to the administration as it is critical and that Governor Alex Otti has a mandate to create a safe and peaceful environment.
The Abia State Police Commissioner, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, appreciated the Governor for his persistent push and support to the security agencies in the state to do their work and also working round the clock to ensure the launching of the Operation Crush.
Other heads of various security agencies in the State - the Army, Navy, DSS, NSCDC, and top government officials, including Dr. Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor; Navy Comm McDonald Uba (rtd), the Special Adviser on Security, and Commissioners joined the Governor in launching the programme.
There were also representatives of the state House of Assembly, led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Austin Okezie.
Citizens are advised to call either of the hot lines: 09091141111 and
09091131111 for acts relating to kidnapping and other related crimes.

- Chinonyerem Claverson Nwahiwe
Information Officer