ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has moved to contain a disturbing spike in armed robberies targeting phone and gadget dealers in Asaba, pledging a swift, intelligence-driven crackdown to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
Speaking during a protest by affected traders at Government House, Asaba, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the administration would not allow criminal elements to erode the state’s reputation for safety.
He disclosed that a high-level security meeting involving intelligence units and other relevant agencies would be convened to review the pattern of attacks and deploy targeted responses.
Dr. Emu stressed the need for proper documentation of all incidents, urging the traders to nominate representatives for a closed-door engagement with security operatives to aid coordinated action.
The SSG, however, hinted at emerging intelligence suggesting possible insider collaboration in some of the attacks, noting that such complexities require discreet and carefully coordinated operations.
He added that certain aspects of the state’s response would remain confidential to preserve the integrity of ongoing security measures.
Reassuring the protesters, Dr. Emu maintained that Delta remains relatively peaceful compared to many parts of the country, promising that the current threat would be addressed with urgency and precision.
“We will address this situation decisively. In a matter of weeks, the impact of our interventions will become evident,” he said.
He also urged business owners to strengthen internal safeguards within their premises, describing such measures as critical in preventing infiltration and reducing vulnerability.
Dr. Emu further directed that all relevant intelligence be escalated to the Chief Security Officer to accelerate response efforts, while calling for patience and sustained cooperation from stakeholders.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Victor Uche of Ibori Phones raised alarm over what he described as a growing wave of coordinated attacks on phone and gadget dealers across the state capital.
He noted that Asaba, once widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s safest cities, has in recent times witnessed a steady rise in criminal incidents, particularly targeting commercial outlets.
According to him, the attacks have evolved from sporadic occurrences into frequent, near-weekly operations, suggesting a pattern of organised criminal activity.
Mr. Uche disclosed that some victims possess video evidence of the robberies, warning that the perpetrators appear increasingly emboldened, allegedly exploiting gaps in security response.
He lamented the heavy financial losses suffered by affected traders and called on the state government to act swiftly to safeguard businesses, protect livelihoods, and restore public confidence in the city’s security.
