Cross River Security Heads Meet South-South Development Commission Over Security, Development

Calabar, Cross River State — Heads of security agencies in Cross River State have held a strategic meeting with representatives of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), as the Commission begins preparations for programmes, projects and other development 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 engagement provided an opportunity for the SSDC representatives to formally introduce the Commission to the state’s security leadership, explain its mandate and outline the importance of collaboration with security agencies as it commences activities across Cross River.

Among the senior security officials at the meeting was the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp.

Also in attendance were 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, FRSA, FCE.

SSDC Explains Its Mandate

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, the Cross River State Representative on the SSDC Governing Board, explained that the Commission was established to promote coordinated and sustainable development across the six states of the South-South region.

Odey said Cross River State would be among the states benefiting from the Commission’s programmes, projects and other interventions.

He stressed the importance of maintaining effective communication and cooperation with security agencies, particularly as development projects and interventions begin to take place in different parts of the state.

According to him, collaboration with security agencies would help create the necessary conditions for the smooth implementation of the Commission’s activities.

CP Ajo Links Security To Development

Responding on behalf of the security agencies, Commissioner of Police CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue emphasised the close relationship between security and development.

He noted that development programmes require a stable and secure environment to succeed, adding that security agencies have an important role to play in creating an atmosphere where government and development interventions can be implemented effectively.

The Police Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies to continued inter-agency cooperation and strategic engagement with the South-South Development Commission.

He also welcomed the consultative approach adopted by the Commission, stressing the importance of communication and coordination between development agencies and security institutions.

Focus On Partnership

The meeting therefore brought together two important areas of public interest — security and development — with both sides expressing willingness to maintain cooperation as the SSDC begins its activities in Cross River State.

The engagement is expected to provide a platform for security agencies and the Commission to share relevant information, address security considerations around development activities and strengthen coordination where necessary.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to sustaining open communication and partnership in support of peace, security and development across Cross River State.

The Cross River State Police Command said the engagement further underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions and development agencies in advancing the interests of the people of the state.