The Nigerian Navy has reassured residents of Rivers State of their safety, disclosing that its personnel are physically fit, strategically deployed, and fully equipped to tackle criminal activities across the state’s waterways and creeks.
Speaking during the Third Quarter Route March in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, represented by Executive Officer Navy Captain Abubakar Sani, said the exercise was designed to boost personnel fitness and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies.
“The essence of the route march is to ensure that Nigerian Navy personnel are physically fit and healthy to perform their constitutional mandate, which is safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Sani said.
He added that the march demonstrates the Navy’s readiness for deployment anywhere in the country, noting, “Our men are physically fit to be deployed anywhere and at any time.”
On operations in Rivers State, Sani disclosed that the Navy had intensified patrols in the creeks and waterways, deploying gunboats and working closely with other agencies to maintain security.
“We have our men deployed in all strategic creeks and locations in the state to stamp out criminality. We collaborate with other security agencies and conduct regular patrols to ensure that everywhere is safe,” he said.
According to him, the Navy is also working with relevant authorities to regulate water transport activities and enforce compliance with safety standards.
“We have gunboats patrolling and we collaborate with agencies like the National Inland Waterways Authority to ensure that maritime unions and water transport operators follow the appropriate rules and regulations,” Sani added.
He assured residents that the security situation in Rivers State remains under control, stressing that the Navy’s efforts are aimed at creating a safe environment for economic activities to thrive.
The route march, which featured personnel of NNS Pathfinder and other security agencies, included chants and displays to reinforce discipline, teamwork, and inter-agency collaboration.
