By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Area Commander of Ughelli, ACP Aliyu Shaba, has issued a stern warning to cultists and individuals in possession of illegal firearms, urging them to surrender their weapons within three months or risk being treated as criminals.
ACP Shaba gave the warning during his working visit to the Agbarho Divisional Police Headquarters in Ughelli North Local Government Area on Thursday, a visit that also coincided with the inauguration of the newly elected Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Agbarho Division Executive Council.
Addressing stakeholders including sister agencies, traditional council representatives, community leaders, youth leaders, women and PCRC members, Shaba noted that; “No Criminal Can Escape My Tracking”, the Area Commander cautioned against shielding cultists or illegal gun owners.
He recalled his track record of recovering 11 AK-47 rifles and other assorted weapons during his tenure as DPO of Ekpan Police Station, vowing to replicate similar results in Ughelli.
“Tell your children I am giving them three months to submit their weapons. If they refuse, I will go after them like common criminals. When it comes to tracking criminals, no one beats my record. Even if you drop your phone or remove your SIM cards, I will still track you down,” he declared.
He further cited high-profile cases he handled in Akwukwu-Igbo, Otokutu, Udu, and Bayelsa State, stressing that cultism and gun-running would no longer be tolerated in Ughelli.
ACP Shaba also cautioned against lobbying for the release of arrested suspects, warning that such pleas could strain his respect for community leaders.
While describing the visit as part of his routine on-the-spot assessment of police divisions, ACP Shaba applauded the cordial relationship between the Agbarho Division and its host community. He appealed for stronger collaboration with the President General (PG) of Agbarho, traditional institutions, and vigilante groups, noting that collective action was key to reducing crime to the barest minimum.
The Commander highlighted the dangers of drug abuse among youths, revealing that the police recently recovered hard drugs worth ₦80 million from a woman in Ughelli. He also disclosed that drug dealers now conceal narcotics in unconventional items such as first aid boxes.
“Residents must expose those engaged in the illicit drug trade. The police cannot win this fight alone. Community information will remain confidential, but cooperation is vital,” he urged.
ACP Shaba charged DPOs to ensure professionalism among officers, stressing the need for respect of human rights, fair handling of cases, and strengthening of community relations.
Earlier, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbarho, CSP Pius Eredei, described the visit as a strategic familiarization tour that provided an opportunity for on-the-spot assessment. He acknowledged violent crimes associated with the area while highlighting challenges faced by the Division, including manpower shortage, inadequate accommodation, vehicles, and operational tools.
He appealed for collective collaboration from community leaders, elders, sister security agencies, and volunteers to enhance security in the Division.
The visit also featured the formal inauguration of the newly elected 18-man PCRC Agbarho Division Executive Council. Among those inaugurated were:
Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja – Chairman
Sir Mathias Akatugba – Vice Chairman
Barr. (Mrs.) Flora Fiyebo – Secretary
Mr. Lucky Ubuinoh – Deputy Secretary
Mr. Benson Ejeghotan – Treasurer
The PCRC also issued certificates to newly inducted patrons, with Chief J.O. Ojoba, a member of the Agbarho Traditional Council, announced as the first patron.
The event was well attended by community stakeholders, traditional leaders, and security operatives, reinforcing a collective resolve to tackle insecurity in Ughelli and its environs.
