IGP Egbetokun donates gunboats to Rivers police for waterway security

• Warns against use for private guard

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday donated six gunboats for effective policing of waterways in Rivers State.

Egbetokun, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), DIG Ali Mohammed Ali, said he was inundated with complaints about sea piracy and robbery from Rivers people in Bonny Local Government Area of the state.

He said: “The IGP’s office was inundated with complaints from people of Bonny, complaining of sea piracy and armed robbery along the waterways.

“Consequently, the IGP decided that the gunboats be 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 youth will be employed. The Nigerian marine domain is a major contributor to the economy of the nation.”

Ali further said: “For effective policing of this area, there is a need for visibility patrol and apprehension of criminals; hence, the donation of the gunboats. The commissioning came handy and timely in the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police to fight marine crime and criminality.

“It is the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the IGP 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. It is not to make money for individuals at the expense of the safety of the general public.

“Continue to support the Nigeria Police in the business of crime fighting. We want to ensure that Rivers State and the Niger Delta remain safe.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, said the governor takes security matters very seriously.

Danagogo expressed: “We thank you for not sending another police officer to do this work but sending one of our own. DIG Ali is qualified to be an indigene of the state.

“One thing I noticed in Rivers State is that officers who come here and perform excellently always get to the top of their career. We thank the IGP for this laudable initiative. It is a rare gesture. We heard when the maritime community complained and sent letters to Abuja on issues of sea pirates.

“For the IGP to respond and send six gunboats to arrest the situation of sea piracy is very commendable.

“On behalf of the people of Rivers State, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the IGP and the President who enabled him.”

Speaking further, the SSG stressed that security is a cardinal aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that the provision of the gunboats will actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

He assured: “We will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state. We have always placed a high premium on security and peace.

“The Police in Rivers are doing well. The new CP came on board and received a baptism of fire from Emohua. He discharged himself quickly by arresting the culprits. Continue to maintain peace in Rivers State.”

He urged the Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, to follow the dictates of his conscience, of God, humanity, and the law.

Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, AIG Adebola Hamzat, said: “Today is an epoch-making event, a day to felicitate with the Federal Government and the Police.

“We are going ahead in fighting crime, not only on land but on water. The IGP, through the FG, has been able to launch gunboats. We are assuring the nation that we are up to the task in fighting crime and reducing it to the barest minimum.”

The Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, in his vote of thanks, said the state has been having a lot of issues on waterways, and it has been worrisome.

He expressed: “We thank the IGP for coming to our rescue. We assure the IGP that the gunboats will be put to judicious use.”