IGP Deploys 6 Gunboats In Rivers To Tackle Sea Robberies

PORT HARCOURT – The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed six gunboats in Rivers State to strengthen security in the waterways and tackle sea robberies.

The gunboats were handed over to the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Inspector General of Police, explained that the deployment of the boats was a response to complaints from the people of Bonny about the menace of piracy and armed robbery along the waterways.

Egbetokun, who was represented

Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Ali Mohammed Ali, admonished that the security hardware be used to fight crime and criminality alongside other crime-fighting outfits already working to keep the state safe and peaceful.

The IGP emphasized the importance of making the state safer to attract investors and create employment opportunities for youths.

He also highlighted the significance of the Nigerian marine domain to the nation’s economy, stressing the need for effective policing of the area through visibility patrols and apprehension of criminals.

Egbetokun, who noted that the gunboats are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force in fighting marine crime and criminality, warned that the equipment should not be diverted for private security guard duties.

He said: “Consequently, the IGP decided that the gunboats be brought here to fight menace of crime and crimnality in addition to other crime fighting outfit doing their job to keep the state clear and peaceful.

“Is only when we make the state safer that investors can come in and youth will be employed

“The Nigerian marine domain is a major contribuctor to econonmy of the nation.For effective poliicing of this area,there is need for visibility patrol and apprehension of criminals,hence the donation of the gunboats.The commissiong came handy and timely in effectiveness of Nigeria Police to fight marine crime and criminality.

“It is the renewed hope agenda of Preaident and IGP that this good work be sustained and the equipment be put into judicious use.The marine unit should enure proper care and maintenance.

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

“Continue to support Nigeria Police in the business of crime fighting.We want to ensure that Rivers State and NigerDelta remain safe” IGP Egbetokun said

He added that the donation is part of the renewed hope agenda of the President and the IGP, which aims to sustain the good work of the police and ensure that equipment is put to judicious use. The marine unit has been tasked with ensuring proper care and maintenance of the gunboats.

The Rivers State Government on its part, commended the Inspector General of Police, for the gunboats in combating piracy in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, who represented the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the event, expressed gratitude to the IGP for the laudable initiative.

Fubara praised the IGP for sending Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations, DIG Ali to deliver the equipment, noting that officers who perform excellently in Rivers State often reach the top of their careers.

He added that the gunboats deployment is a significant boost to the state’s efforts to combat sea piracy, which has been a major concern for the maritime community.

Governor Fubara emphasized that security is a cardinal aspect of the renewed hope agenda, and the IGP’s donation will help actualize the President’s agenda.

He assured that the state government will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state, prioritizing security and peace.

Also speaking, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adebola Hamzat, described the gunboats’ launch by the Federal Government as an “epoch-making event” in the fight against maritime crime.

Hamzat assured that the police are “up to the task” in fighting crime and reducing it to the barest minimum.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Commissioner of Police, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the IGP for coming to the state’s rescue, promising that the gunboats will be put to judicious use.

The event also featured the donation of life vests, bulletproof vests, first aid boxes, and walkie-talkies.

Dignitaries who attended the event included the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Francis Edu, and the Chairman of the Maritime Union, Israel Pepple.