Police, journalists partner in Cross River to curb crime ahead Christmas

…as NUJ honours Akwa Ibom police boss, others

The Cross River State Police Command has entered into Partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, to boost public safety and deepen information-sharing as the festive season approaches.

This followed a courtesy visit, weekend, by the leadership of the NUJ to the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Bello Afegbua at the State Police Headquarters in Calabar, where both sides committed to closer collaboration to maintain the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful destinations.

Receiving the delegation, the CP described the press as “the last oversight body,” noting that journalists play a critical role in holding institutions accountable and amplifying security issues that require urgent attention.

He assured that the Command has been working round-the-clock often behind the scenes to neutralise threats, intercept criminal gangs, and prevent attacks across coastal and hinterland communities.

According to him, many of the security breakthroughs achieved in recent months were results of deep intelligence-sharing among the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and other allied agencies.

Read also: Cross River Police command records 1,473 cases within 4 months, prosecutes 253

Speaking earlier, Archibong Bassey, NUJ Chairman, praised the Police for the significant improvement in safety across the State, especially in areas like Satellite Town, which previously battled frequent robbery and kidnapping cases.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured distinguished personalities who have made notable contributions to the development of the State across various sectors.

Those honoured include the Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John, for his commitment to revitalising the health sector; the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Unyime Idem, for his strides in human capacity development; the State Commissioner of Police, Azare Muhammad, for professionalism in advancing security; and the Bulletin Construction Company Ltd., for driving infrastructural renewal in the state.

The awards were presented during the 2025 NUJ Press Week Dinner and Award Night, held on Friday 5 December, 2025 at the Patience Umo Eno Auditorium, Information Drive, Off IBB, Uyo.

Speaking while presenting the awards, Nsibiet John, NUJ State Chairman, applauded the honourees for their “outstanding performance and positive contributions” to governance, security, infrastructure, and human capital development and noted that their collective efforts have significantly boosted the state’s economy and strengthened democratic values.