The governor launched the campaign in Calabar during the inauguration of a 50-man Central Planning Committee ahead of planned 2026 State Security Summit at the DSS Conference Hall.
He said the campaign is designed to mobilize citizens and security agencies against terrorism, kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes threatening the state’s stability.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, Otu described security as “the bedrock of development.”
The state chief executive officer averred that “security is the foundation upon which development, investment, education, tourism, commerce and peaceful coexistence are built adding that no society thrives where insecurity persist.
Otu charged the committee to go beyond organizing the summit and drive a grassroots movement for security awareness, intelligence sharing and community vigilance.
He urged the committee members to execute the assignment with “dedication, professionalism, creativity and integrity.”
State Director of DSS, Oluwole Faluyi, who hosted the inauguration, said the “Unite Against Terror” campaign is a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.
“Security is a collaborative responsibility. It is not a one-man show; it is everybody’s business. Success depends on strong partnerships and the active involvement of all stakeholders,” he said.
The 2026 Security Summit is scheduled for July 30, 2026 in Calabar and will bring together security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and the private sector.
According to Akpala the campaign will be rolled out across the 18 local government areas ahead of the summit which has be slated to take place at the end of the month is to make Cross River “uncomfortable for criminals and safe for investors.”
