By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State Government on Tuesday flagged off activities for the 2026 Security Summit with a city-wide anti-terror awareness roadshow in Calabar, urging residents to embrace collective responsibility in safeguarding lives and property.
The awareness campaign, held under the theme “Unite Against Terror,” was initially scheduled simultaneously at Millennium Park (11-11), Watt Market Roundabout and Technical Roundabout. However, due to unfavourable weather conditions, the exercise was kicked off at Millennium park
The roadshow featured public sensitization and the distribution of awareness materials ahead of the main Security Summit slated for Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Pearl Ballroom of the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving and doubles Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 Security Summit, Mrs. Beatrice Akpala, said the initiative reflects Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Cross River residents.
She explained that the summit would bring together critical stakeholders to develop practical strategies and a security blueprint that would strengthen the state’s security architecture.
According to Akpala, “This year’s theme is Unite Against Terror and it is a national campaign initiated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Cross River State is domesticating the campaign to suit our local context. Today’s roadshow is part of the activities leading up to the main summit, which will be held on July 30, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar.
He urged citizens to be part of the conversation and actively participate as security is everyone’s responsibility.
“We want every resident to understand that when they see something, they must say something. No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity. That is the message the government is taking to everyone, not just Cross Riverians, but everyone who lives and does business in the state. Timely information from the public enables our security agencies to take prompt action and keep our communities safe.”
Representing Governor Otu, the Senior Special Adviser on Security, Major General Obono Ubi (Rtd), declared the awareness walk open, reaffirming the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on insecurity.
He noted that although Cross River has not experienced terrorist attacks, the state must remain proactive rather than wait for security threats to emerge.
“This city walk is aimed at creating awareness that although Cross River State has not experienced terrorism, we must not wait until it reaches our doorstep before taking action. We must remain proactive, which is why His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, approved this initiative.”
He enjoined Cross Riverians, both at home and in the diaspora to identify with the vision.
He noted that security agencies are not spirits to be at all locations to fight crime but rely on credible and timely information from citizens to carry out their responsibilities effectively, calling on all to embrace a culture of vigilance and responsible information sharing.
“As we flag off this city walk ahead of the security summit scheduled for Thursday, I encourage everyone to spread this message and inspire others to do the same,” he said.
Also addressing participants, the Director, Department of State Services (DSS) Cross River State Command, Dr. Oluwole Faluyi, represented by Kerry Wariboko, commended the turnout, describing it as a demonstration of the collective resolve to combat terrorism in the state.
“The turnout this morning shows that we are united in the fight against terrorism in Cross River State.This campaign brings together the Cross River State Government and all security agencies in a common effort to safeguard our state. It also aligns with the national fight against terrorism because securing Cross River is part of securing Nigeria”, he said.
“The fight against terrorism requires everyone’s involvement. Those who perpetrate these crimes often live within our communities, so security agencies cannot do it alone. We need the support and cooperation of every resident.
“Whenever you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the relevant security agencies. Timely information helps us respond quickly and prevent threats before they escalate.
“As we embark on this roadshow, I encourage everyone to speak to people in their communities and distribute the flyers we have. Let us all help spread this message because security is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can keep Cross River State safe.”
The event attracted top government officials and heads of security agencies, including the Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Etim Godwin Efana, represented by the Commissioner of Police (Operations), Abubakar Fantami among others.
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