Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move to combat rising sea piracy and armed robbery in Rivers State’s waterways, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed six armoured gunboats in the state’s marine police unit.
The intervention follows multiple complaints from Bonny residents and maritime operators about increasing attacks on the water routes.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ari Muhammed Ali, assured that the deployment was aimed at restoring security and confidence in the region’s maritime activities.
“The IGP office was inundated with complaints from people of Bonny about sea piracy and armed robbery along the waterways. Consequently, the IGP decided that the gunboats be deployed here to fight the menace and ensure Rivers State remains safe for investors and job creation,” he said.
For years, riverine communities and businesses operating in Bonny, Andoni, and other coastal areas have suffered from constant attacks by pirates and armed robbers, as the criminals target traders and transporters, leading to loss of lives, goods, and economic activities.
Maritime operators had earlier petitioned the federal government, urging swift action to secure the waterways. The deployment of the gunboats signals the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the region.
“The Nigerian marine domain is a major contributor to the nation’s economy. For effective policing of this area, we need visibility patrols and the ability to apprehend criminals,” the IGP stated.
“The commissioning of these gunboats is timely and will enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police in fighting marine crime.”
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, commended the federal government’s response to the crisis, describing it as long overdue.
“We heard when maritime operators complained about sea pirates and wrote to Abuja. For the IGP to respond by sending six gunboats to curb the situation is highly commendable,” Danagogo said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies, ensuring the safety of businesses and residents.
“Security is a key part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state.”
The IGP issued a strong warning to police officers, stating that the gunboats must not be used for private security or profit-making ventures.
“The equipment is not to be deployed for private security guards. It is to combat insecurity on waterways, not to make money for individuals at the expense of public safety,” he warned.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olubenga Adepoju, assured that the gunboats would be put to proper use in securing the waterways.
“The state has been facing serious security challenges on its waterways, and this has been worrisome. We thank the IGP for coming to our rescue. We assure the IGP that these gunboats will be put to judicious use.”
