Port Harcourt -Mr Chris Ezike, the Rivers Police Commissioner, on Friday assured of the preparedness of his command to curtail the increasing crime wave in the state.
Ezike made the remark when members of Civil Society Platform (CSP) paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt.
The police the CP noted had a fundamental role to play in the security of lives and property with the collaborative efforts of civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
He expressed dismay over the increasing crime wave in the state and reiterated his resolve to cleanse the state of criminals.
“We are standing on a tripod; we have a fundamental duty to prevent crime or detect it where we cannot prevent it.
“Significant progress is being made, progress was made yesterday at Eleme area where miscreants extort money from people after holding their relatives captive,’’ Ezike said.
Describing cultism as ‘’fundamental nonsense,’’ the CP expressed concern what the youths of today were turning into.
He said that the increase in the wave of criminal activities among the youths of today had proved that they are now cannibals.
Ezike, who called on politicians and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge, said that crime and violence would not abate without the withdrawal of rich sponsors.
He urged members of the Civil Society Platform to continue to partner with the police in combating crime and assured them of the support of his command.
Earlier, Mr Emmanuel Nkweke, the leader of the group, extolled the leadership qualities of the police commissioner in combating crime.
Nkweke, who described the CP as an `unbiased officer,’ urged him to continue to wage uncompromising war against criminals in the state.
He pledged the willingness of the group to partner with the police in provision of information and intimated with the police boss on his plan to launch ‘’operation mop up all illicit arms in the state.’’ (NAN)