Heads of security agencies in Cross River State have engaged representatives of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) on the need for stronger collaboration as the Commission begins the implementation of programmes and interventions across the state.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess on Moore Road, Calabar, was convened by the Cross River State Police Command.
The Police Command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the meeting provided an opportunity for the SSDC to formally introduce the Commission, explain its mandate and brief security agencies on its planned programmes and interventions in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue; Brig. Gen. Patrick Alimikhena of the Nigerian Army; Commodore S. M. Ahmed of the Nigerian Navy; Group Captain Baduna Nahor Samaila of the Nigerian Air Force; Commandant Okarazu Chima Eke of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Mr. Oluwole Faluyi of the Department of State Services; and Mr. Anteyi John of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The SSDC delegation included Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, Rt. Hon. Moses Onoh, Mr. Augustine Wonah, Mr. Joseph Agi, Mr. Wonah Patrick and Mr. Emmanuel Olayi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Ms. Usoro Offiong Akpabio.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, the Cross River State representative on the SSDC Governing Board, said the Commission was established to promote coordinated and sustainable development across the six South-South states.
He stressed the importance of cooperation and effective communication with security agencies as the Commission begins the implementation of its programmes, projects and other interventions across Cross River State.
Responding on behalf of the security heads, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue said security and development were closely linked, noting that a stable and secure environment was essential for the effective implementation of development initiatives.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies in the state to sustained inter-agency collaboration and strategic engagement with the SSDC.
According to the Police Command, the meeting underscored the shared commitment of the security agencies and the SSDC to maintaining cooperation, open communication and partnership in support of peace, security and development across Cross River State.