The Nigerian Navy (NN) plans to establish a naval base in Ogun State to assist other security agencies in the fight against criminal activities.

The Flag Officer, Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, who spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ibikunle Amosun in Abeokuta, disclosed that the gesture is aimed at fighting “maritime illegalities,” which had become rampant in the area.

Bobai stated that, based on the directive of the Chief Naval Staff, he had already visited the site to assess available facilities “with a view of establishing a Naval base there.”

Bobai assured Amosun that the Navy would use the base to assist the state in fighting criminal activities in the area, disclosing that the navy in conjunction with the Nigerian Customs had already arrested some suspects over criminal activities at the place.

His words, “On the 4th of April, I was at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government at the instance of Chief of Naval Staff to see what kind of infrastructure we have on ground with a view to establishing a naval unit there. That was why we went there and interestingly that island is just five minutes to Port Novo and there is no connectivity on land.”

Tongeji Island is a border community in Ipokia Local Government Council of the state on the Nigeria-Republic of Benin border and is said to be rich in crude oil.