The Rivers State Police Command has flagged off “Operation Zero Crime” in the state.
This, according to the police, is part of efforts to combat crimes and make Rivers State a haven for residents and investors.
The one-week programme initiated by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, is aimed at ensuring a safe environment across the 23 local government areas of the state as well as passing the message that “police is your friend.”
The coordinator of the programme, Kate Ezeigbo, a journalist, disclosed this after a meeting with the committee, where she said the state Police Command was in partnership with the Rivers State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), comedians, hoteliers, and corporate organisations in the state to ensure that the state is safe.
Others involved in the planning of the programme include legal and medical practitioners, lecturers, and Nollywood actors.
Ezeigbo said the one-week event will feature a road walk, workshop, medical outreach by the Commissioner of Police, essay competition, beauty pageant (Queen and King), football competition (CP Cup), and concert (dubbed Night of Laughter).
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, his management team, and officers will embark on a stop-and-search routine, present gift items, and visit major flashpoints to educate youths on why they should shun crime and live a responsible and crime-free life.
She also hinted that the police boss would initiate an amnesty programme that would provide an opportunity for cultists and those involved in crime to denounce vice, lay down their weapons, and reintegrate back into society.