Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a powerful call to the Nigerian Navy to effectively deploy six newly donated 400-horsepowered gunboats, emphasizing the critical need to secure oil installations and combat sea piracy in the region. The Governor’s statement, delivered at a special ceremony on Friday, underscored the state's commitment to supporting security efforts that are vital for the country's economic stability, which is heavily dependent on crude oil production and sales.
The Governor's remarks came shortly before he formally handed over the gunboats and three separate housing units for Navy officers at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The ceremony, attended by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, highlighted the strengthening of ties between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Navy in the fight against maritime crime, particularly crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy.
Governor Fubara called on the Nigerian Navy to use the newly donated gunboats to enhance surveillance capabilities across the state’s waterways and to clamp down on criminal activities. He emphasized that addressing the persistent problem of oil theft and pipeline vandalization, which has plagued the Niger Delta region for years, is a top priority for his administration.
"As we gather here today, I want to assure you that this government will continue to support the Nigerian Navy in its efforts to safeguard our waterways. I am personally involved in the Governors’ Forum’s Committee on Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalization, and I understand the scale of the challenge we face. The donation of these gunboats is just one of the ways we are showing our commitment to tackling these problems," Governor Fubara stated.
He further explained that the donation of the gunboats is part of the state government’s broader effort to provide essential resources to the security agencies, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively. "It's not about doing something extraordinary; it's about doing what any responsible government should do – ensuring the safety and security of its people and the protection of critical assets like oil pipelines."
The Governor also expressed concern over the rising incidence of piracy and kidnappings along the Bonny and Kalabari waterways, which have severely impacted local communities and disrupted the smooth flow of maritime activities. He stated that the donation of the gunboats would play a pivotal role in managing these waterways and making them safer for both travelers and those who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.
"The security challenges we face in our waterways, particularly piracy and kidnapping, require urgent and sustained attention. With these gunboats, I believe the Nigerian Navy will be better equipped to manage and secure these vital sea routes," Governor Fubara added.
Vice Admiral Ogalla, in his remarks, praised the Rivers State Government for its ongoing support and for providing the Nigerian Navy with the critical tools needed to enhance its maritime security operations. "This donation is a clear indication of the strong partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Navy. It will significantly boost our operational capabilities, especially in the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta," Vice Admiral Ogalla said.
He went on to express confidence that the six gunboats would enable the Navy to effectively patrol the region's creeks and coastal areas, making it more difficult for criminals to operate in the region. "These boats are exactly what we need to improve our policing functions and to ensure that our presence is felt across the waterways," he added.
Additionally, the Nigerian Navy also received three newly constructed bungalows to accommodate senior officers and ratings. This gesture, according to the Chief of Naval Staff, would provide much-needed motivation for the personnel stationed in the region.
In a show of appreciation, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, lauded the generosity of Governor Fubara, describing the donation as a testament to his unwavering commitment to enhancing the Navy’s operational efficiency. "These gunboats and housing units will significantly improve our capacity to ensure peace and safety on the waterways," Commodore Aniaku remarked.
