IGP Commissions 6 Gunboats For Use In Rivers
Prince Woke, Port Harcourt
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, donated and commissioned six gunboats on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, for the effective policing of Rivers and waterways. IGP Egbetokun was represented 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 the menace of crime and criminality in addition to other crime-fighting outfit doing their job to keep the state clear and peaceful. It 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 the nation’s economy. 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 commission came in handy and timely in enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police in fighting 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 enure 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.
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 officers to do this work but sending one of our own.DIG Ali is qualified to be an indigent of the state.
“One thing I notice in Rivers state is that officers who come here and perform excellenty, 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 the President who enabled him. Security is a cardinal aspect of the renewed hope agenda. What the IGP has done today will actualize the president’s renewed hope agenda.
“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, God, humanity, and the law.
Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police,in charge 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 also on water. The IGP, through FG, has been able to launch a gun boat. We assure the nation that we 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,said the state has been having many issues with waterways, and it has been worrisome.
We thank the IGP for coming to our rescue. We assure the IGP that the gunboats will be put to judicious use.
Our correspondent reports that life vests, bulletproof vests, first aid boxes, walkie-talkies etc were also donated.
The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State, CP Francis Edu; Chairman of Marine-time 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, and Tactical Unit Commanders were all in attendance.
