Government
GOVERNOR OTU BOOSTS SECURITY IN CROSS RIVER WITH 30 VEHICLES
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security in Cross River State by renaming the state’s joint security outfit from Operation Akpakwu to Operation Okwok and equipping it with 30 operational vehicles. This marks the first phase of a larger plan to deploy a total of 100 vehicles to enhance security operations across the state.
The joint task force comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Immigration Service, and Correctional Service. Governor Otu emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance to crime, noting that his leadership’s morale-boosting support for security agencies began with infrastructure upgrades, including improved internal roads network and remodeled buildings within security formations.
“Cross River State is safer than ever,” the governor declared. “Cases of kidnapping have declined significantly, and robbery is nearly nonexistent. These achievements are due to the dedication of our security forces.” He reiterated that no one, regardless of status, would be exempt if found culpable to crime. “We are committed to ensuring peace, and anyone who threatens that peace will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
Governor Otu also outlined future security plans to include strengthening marine patrols, acquiring gunboats and drones for advanced surveillance, and recruiting personnel for a homeland security structure to enhance security. He assured investors that Cross River remains a secure destination for business, with the government dedicated to protecting investments and ensuring security.
The State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s fight against crime. He explained the significance of the new name, Operation Okwok, an Efik word for “bee.” “Don’t let the sweetness of the bees fool you. Bees are highly territorial and fiercely protect their hive. Just like that, Operation Okwok is here to secure Cross River—producing honey when needed but stinging when provoked,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, commended Governor Otu’s unwavering support for security agencies, calling the donation a “festival of vehicles.” With this initiative, Governor Otu continues to prioritize security, positioning Cross River as a model for proactive governance in crime prevention and law enforcement.
The governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhancing border security.
The initiative was announced in a joint statement issued by the UK Home Office on Thursday, following the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised immigration crime and addressing risks associated with irregular migration, describing border control as a matter of “significant importance” to both nations.
The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlines measures to curb visa abuse, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance operational collaboration.
Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal system to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving the production of fraudulent travel documents. Both countries also pledged to expand legal provisions for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations around visa and travel documentation.
The partnership will further strengthen the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through new Memoranda of Understanding focused on operational engagement and data sharing.
In addition, the United Kingdom will provide training and capacity building for Nigeria’s border security agencies, while both nations will collaborate on protecting vulnerable migrants, especially women and children.
The agreement also includes enhanced research efforts, improved document verification systems, and regular assessments under the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue framework.
Both governments noted that the pact reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding citizens and reinforcing border systems through partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.
The development comes amid a series of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, hosted by Charles III, which marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit also yielded key agreements, including a £746 million financing deal targeted at modernising Nigeria’s major seaports in Apapa and Tin Can Island, further strengthening economic ties between both nations.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both countries sealed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The President made the call during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Describing his state visit as historic, the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, Tinubu said the trip marks a significant step in reinforcing longstanding ties between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said ahead of bilateral talks, noting that discussions would span trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
He emphasised that Nigeria is currently undergoing major economic reforms and expressed optimism about collaborative efforts to improve citizens’ welfare.
“The entire world is facing challenges, and Nigeria is not immune. My priority remains the economy and the welfare of our people, and how we can work together to improve livelihoods,” he said.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic and highlighted the significance of the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
He reaffirmed the UK’s appreciation of its enduring relationship with Nigeria, pointing to strong people to people ties and ongoing collaboration in the economy, defence, and security sectors.
Starmer added that new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and expand engagement on global issues.
At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the £746 million agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while Blair McDougall signed on behalf of the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, noting that stronger bilateral partnerships would attract critical investments needed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both nations, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits for their citizens.
The governments of United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a landmark £746 million agreement to modernise two of Nigeria’s major seaports, in a move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and create thousands of skilled jobs in both countries.
The deal, announced on Thursday, March 19, is backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and will fund the redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
The financing will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, coordinated by Citibank (London branch), with the agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
Officials say the project represents one of the largest recent trade and investment partnerships between both countries. At least £236 million of the total value will go to British companies through supply contracts.
A major beneficiary is British Steel, which secured a record £70 million contract to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the project. The materials will be used by construction firms Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria.
UK Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, described the agreement as a significant boost for UK manufacturing and a testament to the growing economic ties between both nations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the project aligns with the federal government’s strategy to unlock the country’s maritime potential.
He noted that modernising the ports would reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo delays, and lower logistics costs for businesses, while improving transparency through automation and digitalisation.
According to him, the upgrades will position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, while boosting revenue generation and easing trade operations.
Alongside the ports agreement, both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening long-term cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment.
The MoU outlines Nigeria’s priority projects that could receive future UKEF-backed financing, while opening more opportunities for UK companies to participate in Nigeria’s supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer of UKEF, Tim Reid, said the agreement demonstrates the agency’s capacity to support large-scale international projects while driving growth for UK businesses.
Also speaking, Citi’s Global Head of Export and Agency Financing, Richard Hodder, highlighted the bank’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and its role in facilitating the deal.
The agreement signals growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding trade partnerships and improving its logistics backbone.
Analysts say the project could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s port efficiency and overall economic competitiveness, while strengthening its position as a key trade gateway in Africa.