The Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade has said his administration is ready to flush out criminals trying to dent the peaceful image of the state.

The governor was speaking Monday in Calabar shortly after embarking on Operation Show Force across the state capital. The exercise, which featured Service Commanders in the state was conducted around major streets of Calabar to demonstrate that Ayade’s government will no longer condone criminal activities.

The Governor affirmed that all specific locations have been marked, even as access to water fronts will be cut off.

He hinted that his administration is also embarking on a door-to-door search to ensure that nobody exits without a thorough search.

Also speaking, the Cross River Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, and the State Security Adviser, Jude Ngaji, urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.

Residents who spoke expressed optimism that with Operation Show Force the state will gradually return to the once peaceful and highly placed tourist state in the country.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows Governor Ayade.