The Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Weekend, procured 14 gunboats for security agents to further boost security on waterways in the state.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla inaugurated the 14 patrol gunboats at a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Naval Ship base in Ikot Abasi local government area.
Speaking, Governor Eno stressed that his administration will continue to strengthen maritime security in Akwa Ibom waterways in line with his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
He said, “This event is a milestone in our determined and focused effort to secure our waterways, protect our critical economic assets, and combat some unwholesome activities along our coastline.
“With the 14 gunboats, this programme will also mitigate the activities of pirates and other criminal elements within the coastal communities.
“This, no doubt will boost our blue economy, water transportation within and with neighbouring states, while improving the livelihood of our people living within the coastal communities.”
The governor commended the existing synergy between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, with the state government and clarified that the operation of the waterways will be a joint task force led by the Nigerian Navy, with support from sister agencies and some locals with a good understanding of the maritime environment, who may be profiled through the Ibom Community Watch programme and co-opted into operations.
“Let me emphasise here that these operations will carried out by the security agencies led by the Nigerian Navy but with support from people who understand the maritime environment and the coastal communities.
“These people will eventually be integrated into the Ibom Community Watch.”
