YENAGOA, Bayelsa State — Governor Douye Diri has declared that Bayelsa State currently records the lowest crime rate in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to sustained law and order efforts and ongoing justice reforms implemented by his administration.
The governor made the assertion on Thursday during a media briefing in Yenagao, where he highlighted the security achievements of his administration since assuming office in 2020. He stated that the state has witnessed a consistent and steady decline in security challenges that once plagued the region, including cult-related violence, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
According to Diri, the reduction in crime is a direct result of deliberate policies aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, enhancing police-community relations, and addressing the root causes of criminality. He noted that his administration has invested significantly in the welfare of security agencies, provided logistics support, and established community-based security initiatives that have improved intelligence gathering and response times.
The governor further attributed the improved security situation to the collaboration between the state government, the police, the military, and other security agencies. He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers and community leaders in fostering peace and resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.
Diri’s claims are supported by observations from a political support group, the One Bayelsa Mandate Group, which recently passed a vote of confidence in the governor and his deputy over the conduct of state and national assembly primaries. The group noted that the Diri administration has ensured a consistent and steady decline in the myriad of security challenges that once bedevilled the state, adding that the crime rate has reduced significantly, besides intermittent communal clashes .
The governor also highlighted the infrastructural development that has accompanied the peace and security gains, including the construction and installation of a 60-megawatt gas turbine, which he said has contributed to economic growth and improved the quality of life for residents .
However, some residents who spoke to journalists expressed cautious optimism about the governor’s claims. While acknowledging the improvements, they noted that incidents of communal clashes and petty crimes still occur in some parts of the state. They called on the government to sustain the momentum and address the root causes of the remaining security challenges.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has not issued an official statement corroborating the governor’s claims. However, the command has previously reported a decline in major crimes in the state, attributing it to improved intelligence and community policing strategies.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, security remains a key campaign issue. Governor Diri, who is seeking re-election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is expected to use the improved security record as a major selling point for his administration. For now, the governor has set a high bar for his opponents, challenging them to match his administration’s record on safety and security.
