IGP donates six gunboats to police in Rivers

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in a bid to strengthen security in the waterways of Rivers State, has donated six gunboats to the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

The donation, made on Tuesday, is aimed at combating piracy, armed robbery, and other crimes along the waterways.

Representing the IGP, Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations, DIG Ali Mohammed Ali, explained that the donation was a response to complaints from the people of Bonny about the menace of piracy and armed robbery along the waterways.

According to DIG Ali, the gunboats will be used to fight crime and criminality, in addition to other crime-fighting outfits already working to keep the state safe and peaceful.

READ ALSO: SON destroys fake, substandard products worth N20b

The IGP emphasized the importance of making the state safer to attract investors and create employment opportunities for youths.

He also highlighted the significance of the Nigerian marine domain to the nation’s economy, stressing the need for effective policing of the area through visibility patrols and the apprehension of criminals.

He noted that the donated gunboats are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force in fighting marine crime and criminality.

However, the IGP warned that the equipment should not be deployed for private security guard duties, but rather to combat insecurity on the waterways.

He said: “Consequently, the IGP decided that the gunboats be brought here to fight the menace of crime and criminality in addition to other crime-fighting outfits doing their job to keep the state clear and peaceful. Only when we make the state safer can investors come in, and youth will be employed.

“The Nigerian marine domain is a major contributor to the economy of the nation. For effective policing of this area, there is a need for visibility patrols and the apprehension of criminals; hence the donation of the gunboats. The commissioning came in handy and timely for the effectiveness of the 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 guards; it is to combat insecurity on the waterways. It is not to make money for individuals at the expense of the safety of the general public.

READ ALSO: Edo assembly approves death sentence for kidnapping

“Continue to support the Nigeria Police in the business of crime fighting. We want to ensure that Rivers State and the Niger Delta remain safe.”

He added that the donation is part of the renewed hope agenda of the President and the IGP, which aims to sustain the good work of the police and ensure that equipment is put to judicious use. The marine unit has been tasked with ensuring proper care and maintenance of the gunboats.

However, the state government commended the Inspector General of Police for donating six gunboats to combat piracy in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the event, expressed gratitude to the IGP for the laudable initiative.

Danagogo praised the IGP for sending Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations, DIG Ali, to handle the donation, noting that officers who perform excellently in Rivers State often reach the top of their careers.

He added that the donation of the six gunboats is a significant boost to the state’s efforts to combat sea piracy, which has been a major concern for the maritime community.

Fubara stressed that security is a cardinal aspect of the renewed hope agenda, and the IGP’s donation will help actualize the President’s agenda.

He assured that the state government will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state, prioritizing security and peace.

On his part, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adebola Hamzat, described the launch of gunboats by the Federal Government as an “epoch-making event” in the fight against maritime crime.

Hamzat assured that the police are “up to the task” of fighting crime and reducing it to the barest minimum.

The Rivers Commissioner of Police, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the IGP for coming to the state’s rescue, promising that the gunboats would be put to judicious use.

The event also featured the donation of life vests, bulletproof vests, first aid boxes, and walkie-talkies. Dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Francis Edu, and the Chairman of the Maritime Union, Israel Pepple.