Fourteen militia camps along the Calabar Waterways in Cross River State has been destroyed by combined military operations, even as Governor Ben Ayade reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to keep the state safe for investors.

The governor spoke when he visited the Ikang Waterfront in Bakassi Local Government Area, after inspecting the Reconnaissance Operation embarked on by officers and men of the joint military task force in the area.

According to him, the dislodgement would be sustained to enable investors take advantage of the serene environment created in the state and invest without fear or intimidation.

Governor Ayade reassured investors of the peaceful and calm nature of the state, stressing that the feat would not be compromised for business to thrive.

He maintained that with the advent of his signature projects, including the construction of the seaport, there was need to clean up some black spots through the presence and combat readiness of the joint military task force.

“The Nigeria military, as you can see, is very strong, and the military operation is combat ready toflush out criminals that may want to use any of our communities as hideouts.

“I am impressed, the community is excited and the bad boys are running away from Calabar,” he added.

Governor Ayade who was accompanied by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, affirmed: “Cross River can never be a safe haven for criminals. It was for this reason that we recently inaugurated operation Skolombo, geared towards positioning the state as a no hiding place for criminals.”

Also present at the operation were State Security Adviser (SSA) to the governor, Jude Ngaji, security chiefs drawn from  army, air force, navy, and police formations in the state, among others.

Highlights of the operation were the display of military gun boats and aircraft on the waterways, as well as the chanting of victory songs by the joint military task force operating in the area.