Rivers: Police receive six gunboats from IGP to fight sea piracy

The Rivers State Police command has taken delivery of six gunboats allocated to it by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to confront sea piracy along the many sea routes in the state.

Ali Mohammed Ali, Deputy Inspector General of Police incharge of operations, presented the gunboats on behalf of Egbetokun, at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt.

In a short speech during the presentation ceremony, Ali said that the inspector general of the police office was inundated with complaints from the people of Bonny, complaining of sea piracy and armed robbery along the waterways and consequently decided to send the gunboats.

“These gunboats have been brought here to fight the menace of crime and criminality, in addition to other crime-fighting outfits doing their job to keep the state clear and peaceful.

“It is only when we make the state safer that investors can come in and youths will be employed”, he said.

The IGP explained that Nigeria’s maritime domain is a major contributor to the nation’s economy, adding that for effective policing of the area, there is the need for visibility of patrol and apprehension of criminals, hence the delivery of the gunboats.

He added that the delivery of the gunboats came in handy and timely, in the determination of the police to fight marine crime and criminality.

Egbetokun said; “It is the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu and the inspector general of police that this good work be sustained and the equipment be put into judicious use. The marine unit should ensure proper care and maintenance.

“The equipment is not to be deployed for private security guard, it is to combat insecurity on waterways. Not to make money for individuals at the expense of the safety of the general public”.

He urged the public to continue to support the police in the business of crime fighting, stressing the imperative of ensuring that Rivers State and the NigerDelta remained safe.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, said his administration takes security matters very seriously.

“One thing I notice in Rivers State, is that officers who come here and perform excellently, always get to the top of their career.

“We thank the inspector general of police for this laudable initiative. It is a rare gesture. We heard when the marine unit complained and sent letters to Abuja, on the issue of sea pirates.

“For the inspector general of police to respond and send six gunboats to arrest the situation of sea piracy, it is very commendable.

“On behalf of the people of Rivers State, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the inspector general of police and the president who enabled him,” Gov. Fubara said.

He pointed out that security is a cardinal aspect of the Renewed Hope agenda, noting that what Egbetokun has done would actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“We will continue to support the police and other security agencies in the state. We have always placed high premium on security and peace,” the governor added.