For Effective Policing, IGP Donates Gunboats, Warns Rivers Police Against Private Use
Edith CHUKU
As part of efforts to ensure effective policing of waterways, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has donated six gunboats to Police in Rivers State.
The commissioning of the gunboats was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Abonnema Wharf.
Egbetokun who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations, Ali Mohammed Ali, vehemently warned the Police against using the gun boats for private guard.
He said, “the IGP office was inundated with complaints from people of Bonny complaining of sea piracy armed robbery along the waterways.
“Consequently, the IGP decided that the gunboats be brought here to fight menace of crime and criminality 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 contributor to economy of the nation. For effective policing of this area, there is need for visibility patrol and apprehension of criminals, hence the donation of the gunboats.”
Egbetokun noted that “the commissioning came handy and timely in effectiveness of Nigeria Police to fight marine crime and criminality.
It is the renewed hope agenda of the President and 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, is to combat insecurity on waterways, not to make money for individuals at the expense of the safety of the general public.”
The IGP further urged them to “continue to support Nigeria Police in the business of crime fighting. We want to ensure that Rivers State and Niger Delta remain safe.”
Also speaking, the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tammy Danagogo reaffirmed Fubara’s commitment to the safety of lives and properties of residents, adding that the governor takes security matters seriously.
“We thank the IGP for this laudable initiative. It is a rare gesture. We heard when the maritime 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.
“Onbehalf of the people of Rivers state, we extend our heart felt gratitude to the IGP and President who enabled him. Security is a cardinal aspect of the renewed hope agenda. What the IGP has done today will actualize the renewed hope agenda of the President.
“We will continue to support Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state. We have always placed high premium on security and peace.
“The Police in Rivers is doing well. The new CP came on board and received baptism of fire from Emohua. He discharged himself quickly by arresting the culprit. Continue to maintain peace in Rivers state.”
He further urged the Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju to follow the dictates of his conscience, God, humanity and the law.
Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police incharge of Zone 16 Yenagoa, AIG Adebola Hamzat described the event as “an epoch making event A day to felicitate with FG and the Police. we are going ahead in fighting crime not only on land but on water.
“The IGP through FG has been able to launch gunboat. We are assuring the nation we are upto the task in fighting crime and reducing it to the barest minimum.”
On his part, The Rivers Commissioner of Police, noted that the state has faced alot of issues on waterways, such as kidnapping, armed robbery which he described as worrisome.
He thanked the IGP for coming to the state’s rescue and gave the assurance that the gunboats would be used effectively to prevent crime.
