.British Govt Lauds Crime Prevention Partnership With State
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to intensify the crackdown on illicit drug activities and criminal hideouts across the state, warning that more structures linked to such activities will be demolished.
Diri gave the warning on Thursday during the 42nd State Security Council meeting held at Government House in Yenagoa. The meeting reviewed security developments, including the recent demolition of a notorious drug den known as “Aboki Quarters” located at Yenizue-Gene.
The governor explained that the demolition was carried out by a joint security task force following credible intelligence about rampant drug peddling and related crimes in the area. He commended the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Director of the Department of State Services, and other service commanders for what he described as a swift and coordinated operation.
Diri disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that some of the displaced occupants had relocated to a site directly opposite the demolished structure. He directed security agencies to immediately focus surveillance and enforcement efforts on the new location to prevent the resurgence of criminal activities.
“We cannot continue to tolerate shanties where hard drugs are consumed and sold, destroying the lives of our young people,” the governor stated, insisting that any identified criminal hideout would face similar action.
He, however, clarified that the enforcement drive was not targeted at non-indigenes, stressing that Bayelsa remains one of the safest and most hospitable states for residents and business owners from across Nigeria.
The governor also condemned recent clashes between rival cult groups that reportedly led to the death of three persons. He ordered security agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible, warning that cult-related violence would not be condoned.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, attended the security meeting. Lever said the visit was part of an assessment of the British Government-funded “Brighter Futures” programme, a crime prevention initiative being implemented in partnership with Bayelsa and three other states.
READ ALSO: Upsurge in crime intertwined with drug abuse, says Diri
According to her, the programme focuses on curbing cultism and illicit drug abuse at the grassroots level by identifying vulnerable youths, providing them with vocational training, and equipping them with tools for sustainable livelihoods.
She commended the Bayelsa State Government for prioritising youth empowerment and security, revealing that over 200 youths have been trained and supported to become self-reliant.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, noted that the programme, which his ministry coordinates, has recorded significant success in agriculture and skills acquisition. He praised Governor Diri for providing the necessary support that has helped the initiative exceed expectations.
The renewed enforcement measures signal a tougher stance by the Bayelsa Government against drug-related crimes, as authorities move to strengthen community safety and protect vulnerable youths from criminal influence.