The Cameroonian Consul to Nigeria, His Excellency Onana Patrice, has mentioned that many security challenges, including the activities of secessionists, terrorists, and Ambazonian rebels, are potential threats to next year’s presidential election in his country.
He disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 6, Jonathan Towuru, in his office in Calabar yesterday.
The Consul said these criminal elements are taking advantage of the vast land and sea borders, as well as their strong socio-cultural affinities, to smuggle arms to Cameroon.
He alleged that cybercriminals are using social media to advertise fake job opportunities in Nigeria, thereby heightening security threats through unfounded publications.
The Cameroon’s Consul appealed to the AIG and other security agencies to extend support to his country even as they begin preparation for their presidential election.
He requested more collaboration in the area of intelligence sharing to bolster security.
He expressed gratitude for the National Joint Border Task Force’s work, stating that the support will strengthen the littoral and land border communities within the zone before next year’s presidential election.
He further identified other common security issues around the border communities, informing the AIG and his management team that his visit was to strengthen the collaboration between the two sister countries towards addressing the security challenges along the border communities.
Speaking, the AIG Towuru was pleased that Cameroon acknowledged the efforts of the Command Commissioners of Police in the Zone and the Joint Border Task Force for keeping the borders under check.
He assured him of the police’s resolve to ensure adequate protection of the lives and property of citizens and foreigners alike.
He promised to rejig the security architecture of the zone to curtail the activities of criminals in the border communities of Oron, Ibaka, Bakassi, Etung, and Boki, etc., in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, policing policy to reduce trans-border crimes for the safety of all.
The AIG called on the peace-loving people of the zone to treat their age-long brothers and neighbours from Cameroon hospitably and report criminals to the police to enhance security.
