Sea Piracy: IGP Egbetokun Deploys 6 Gunboats to Rivers
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed six gunboats to the Rivers State Police Command to enhance policing of the state’s waterways.
While presenting the gunboats to the command in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Ali Mohammed Ali, stated that the decision was a response to complaints from the people of Bonny Kingdom regarding the rising cases of sea piracy and armed robbery along the waterways.
The IGP emphasized that the deployment of the gunboats was aimed at combating the menace of crime and criminality, in addition to supporting other law enforcement efforts in maintaining peace in the state. He noted, “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 economy of the nation.”
In response, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, expressed gratitude to the IGP, highlighting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to security matters in the state. Danagogo praised the decision to send DIG Ali, describing it as a rare and commendable gesture.
He said, “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 indigene of the state. One thing I notice in Rivers State is that officers who come here and perform excellently always get to the top of their career.”
Danagogo further appreciated the IGP’s swift response to the maritime complaints about sea piracy and acknowledged the importance of the gunboats in addressing the issue. He extended the state’s heartfelt gratitude to the IGP and the President for enabling the deployment.
