By Ekaette Okon Joseph and Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Special Assistant on Media to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Ekaette Okon Joseph, has described Akwa Ibom as one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to Governor Umo Eno’s proactive security policies.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, Joseph said the state’s preventive security approach has helped sustain peace, public safety, and investor confidence.
She noted that although Akwa Ibom has long been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, the Umo Eno administration is taking deliberate steps to institutionalise that reputation through a preventive, intelligence-driven security framework rather than relying solely on reactive measures.
According to her, one of the latest initiatives is the biometric registration of commercial tricycle (Keke) and minibus operators across the state.
“At first glance, the exercise appears to be a transport regulation programme. In reality, it represents a major public safety intervention,” she said.
She explained that commercial transport serves as the backbone of daily mobility for thousands of residents, and that creating a comprehensive biometric database of operators would improve accountability and make it easier for security agencies and commuters to verify the identities of transport operators.
Joseph said registered operators would receive official identification credentials, while those who refuse to register risk having their tricycles or minibuses impounded.
Quoting Governor Umo Eno, she said: “We are digitally registering all our Keke and minibus owners and riders in the state free of charge.
“From August, it will be possible for commuters to know the identity of the driver or rider of any registered commercial minibus or Keke before boarding.”
She added that offering the registration free of charge removes financial barriers, encourages compliance, and ensures that operators in the informal transport sector are not excluded from the programme.
According to the statement, commuters will soon be able to verify the identity of registered commercial vehicle operators before boarding, further strengthening public confidence in the transport system.
Joseph said the biometric registration initiative forms part of Governor Eno’s broader security strategy, which includes stronger collaboration with security agencies, continued support for the Nigeria Police Force, expanded operations of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, and increased investment in coastal security.
She stressed that intelligence-led crime prevention has become a central feature of the administration’s security agenda, describing the transport registration exercise as another step towards closing loopholes that could be exploited by criminal elements.
She maintained that the government’s commitment to preventive security has helped keep Akwa Ibom largely crime-free while creating a peaceful environment for residents, businesses, and investors.
