Ogona Anita
The Inspector General of Police,IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday 18th February,2025 donated six gunboats for effective policing of waterways in Rivers State.
IGP Egbetokun was respresnted by Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations,DIG Ali Mohammed Ali.
“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.The commissiong came handy and timely in effectiveness of Nigeria Police to fight marine crime and criminality.
“It is the renewed hope agenda of 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.
“Continue to support Nigeria Police in the business of crime fighting.We want to ensure that Rivers State and Niger Delta remain safe” IGP Egbetokun said.
The executive Governor Siminalayi Fubara,represented by Secretary to the State Government,Tammy Danagogo said the Governor takes security matters very seriously.
“We thank you for not sending other 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 notice in Rivers state is that officers who come here and perform excellently, always gets to top of their career.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.
“On behalf of the people of Rivers state,we extend our heartfelt 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” Governor Fubara said
He urged the Rivers Commissioner of Police,CP Olugbenga Adepoju to follow the dictates of his conscience,of God,humanity and the law.
Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police,incharge of Zone 16 Yenagoa,AIG Adebola Hamzat said “today is 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.
The Rivers Commissioner of Police in his vote of thanks,said the state have been having alot of issues on waterways and it has been worrisome.
We thank the IGP for coming to our rescue.We assure the IGP the gunboats will be put to judicious use.
Our correspondent reports that life vests,bulletproof vest,first aid box,walkie-talkie etc were also donated.
The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State,CP Francis Edu,Chairman of Maritime Union,Israel Pepple, Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee, Voke Emore,
PCRC Chairman, Voke Emore, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, DIvisional Police Officers,Tactical unit commanders were all in attendance.
