Egbetokun launches armoured gunboats to bring to control the menace of sea piracy in Rivers
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
• Charging the Marine Unit to ensure the security of the Niger Delta region is sustained.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated six armoured gunboats donated to the Marine Unit of the Rivers State Police Command to curb crime on the state’s waterways.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammed Ali, warned officers against using the gunboats for private purposes.
He noted that the decision to deploy the gunboats followed rising complaints of piracy and armed robbery along the state’s waterways.
“The IGP’s office received numerous complaints from residents of Bonny over incidents of sea piracy and armed robbery. As a result, the IGP directed that these gunboats be deployed to enhance security and support ongoing crime-fighting efforts in the state,” Ali said.
He emphasised that the gunboats must not be used for private security operations or personal gain.
“These assets are strictly for securing the waterways, not for individuals to profit at the expense of public safety. A safer Rivers State will attract more investors and create job opportunities for youths,” he added.
Egbetokun described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and urged continued public support for the police.
Egbetokun launches armoured gunboats to bring to control the menace of sea piracy in Rivers
“The Nigerian marine sector is vital to the economy. Effective policing requires increased patrols and swift action against criminals. These gunboats will bolster our capability to combat maritime crime,” he stated.
He further charged the Marine Unit to ensure proper maintenance of the equipment and assured that efforts to secure the Niger Delta region would be sustained.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, commended the IGP for responding swiftly to security concerns in the state.
“We appreciate this rare gesture. The maritime sector had raised concerns over rising sea piracy and reached out to Abuja. The IGP’s intervention with six gunboats is commendable. Security remains a top priority for our administration, and we will continue to support the police and other security agencies,” Danagogo said.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olubenga Adepoju, assured that the gunboats would be put to effective use in tackling criminal activities on the waterways.
“The state has faced serious security challenges on its waterways. This intervention is timely, and we assure the IGP that these gunboats will be deployed judiciously,” he said.
In addition to the gunboats, life vests, bulletproof vests, first aid kits, and communication gadgets were also donated to enhance marine security operations.
